Efficacy of the Yoga and Aromatherapy on Salivary Hormone and Immune Function in Pregnant Women.

All of the participants in the aromatherapy group underwent aromatherapy massage for 70 minutes every two weeks between 16 to 36 weeks GA (ten sessions total). The aromatic massage oils were composed of 2 c.c. lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) blended with 98 c.c. almond oil. This concentration of the mixed essential oil was kept at room temperature for massage use.

Prenatal yoga was offered in six 70-minute yoga sessions per week for 20 weeks, with 10-12 women in each session. Each participant should attend two sessions of yoga every two days, held in a quiet room near the prenatal clinic. Yoga specifically designed for women during the second and third trimesters, was guided by a midwife who was certified as a yoga instructor. Yoga included physical postures/ stretch, deep breathing, guided imagery, and deep relaxation. Before each posture/stretch, the instructor guided participants to relax each body part and calm their mind.