Benefits of Massage in Infants
By: Adonis GreenTotal Views: 207, Word Count: 664,
Baby massage has been part of everyday life in several cultures for centuries; the benefits of massage in infants being huge resulting in a happier, healthier baby. Within parts of India, Pakistan, Africa and the West Indies, baby massage is considered as a routine. Grandmothers normally begin the ritual which is carried on by the mother. The practice of massage continues throughout the baby’s life, from minor to old age. The act of massage strengthens the bond between the child and the parent.
One of the first senses developed inside the womb is that of touch. However, leaving the soothing environment of the mother’s womb and making an entry into the world could be a distressing experience. The Osteopathic Center for Children states that 9 out of 10 children suffer some kind of strain during birth.
Premature babies in particular need touch to set up a bond between them and their parent. Babies who birth quickly or by cesarean procedure could be in shock and benefit from touch; the emotional growth of a child is sharpened by massage. It is believed that babies who receive massage have fewer health problems and eat and sleep better than those babies who don’t receive massage.
Benefits of Baby Massage
- Bonding: Massage helps to build a bond between the child and parent
- Security: Massage helps in securing a relationship between a child and parent.
- Emotional: An infant who receives massage leads to a well balanced and confident adult in future life who would be less liable to experience psychological and emotional difficulties.
- Skin: The texture and condition of the skin improves with massage leaving the baby with a healthy looking skin. It also improves the circulation of blood and helps in removing the waste products from the body’s systems.
- Digestive: A massaged infant would suffer from less stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea and would eat better.
- Respiratory: Infant massage lessens cold, cough and infections of the ear and nasal passages,
- Nervous System: Crabbiness and irritability are reduced with massage. A calm baby would lead to a calm parent.
- Immune System: This is one of the major benefits of massage in infants as massaged infants have stronger immune systems, resisting infections and other health problems.
- Joints and Muscles: Infant massage leads to more flexible muscles and joints and greater coordination of muscular movement.
Aromatherapy Massage for Baby
The introduction of aromatherapy into baby massage enhances the experience of massage. Choosing mild essential oils such as lavender, rose and chamomile helps in calming the baby. However, using a lotion is preferable to using oil. The reason for this is that an infant’s skin is not structured enough to absorb the oil until about 2 years old, as oil can be slippery.
Essential oils can be used securely in baby massage although lesser quantities are required than with adults. In order to ensure safety, you can also take advice from a qualified aroma therapist. Though there are so much benefits of massage in infants, some essential oils such as peppermint should never be used on an infant while massaging as it can cause an infant’s lungs to collapse.
About the Author
Adonis Green is a renowned massage therapist and has been in this field for the last 15 yrs. He has worked in all aspects of this field. He taught at the Dahan Institute of Massage studies for a few years and then went on to open his own spa. Today his spa is quite famous among many people including celebrities. He has helped heal many injuries of people through his unique massage techniques. His advices on any massage related queries will surely prove beneficial for anyone.
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