As adults, we all love massage and the benefits it brings to our health. Foot reflexology is a popular massage technique that people have benefited from for centuries. Massaging a person’s feet can help them fall asleep, whereas massaging a person’s hands can relieve headaches and stress. So it’s no wonder that people have come up with similar but gentle massage techniques to help babies.
In fact, we are often giving gentle touch to babies and children by default. From playing “this little piggy” with their toes, to holding a baby’s feet, these forms of touch are said to be great for babies.
The video below from HowCast goes over 5 techniques for gentle touch reflexology that they say can help soothe and calm fussy babies. The reflexologist show the head reflex, which she indicates is a good point if a baby is having trouble sleeping. You can use your pinky to massage the big toe (because a baby’s toes are tiny!).
She also shows the spinal reflex, pelvic hold, solar plexus hold and bowel sweep, which she says is effective for relieving constipation. The reflexologist advises to use a very, very gentle touch and don’t use a lot of pressure.
And the video below shows the gentle touch technique to help calm and soothe a colicky baby by massaging the whole foot.
It goes without saying that reflexology techniques for babies are meant to comfort and calm them and in no way replace the medical advice of your pediatrician, should your baby have an ailment such as the flu or colic.
Note: The content shared in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding infant care and help with any possible medical condition.
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