12 Benefits Of Infant Massage
For example, when a mother makes circular motions with her hand on the baby’s tummy, it promotes good digestion, releases gases, relieves abdominal pain and promotes relaxation.
Many people require massage from masseurs, chiropractors or a physiotherapist. Therefore, it is not surprising, there is now a category for children, called “infant massage”.
What is a massage?
A massage is an act of manipulation of the muscles of the body, through several movements with the hands. It has a therapeutic function, and has positive effects on the body.
Therefore, it can be said that massage is advised to combat pain. Over time, various techniques have evolved, and today it is called “structured touch”.
What is it for?
- Relieves pain (such as contractions or other forms of physical or emotional discomfort)
- Relaxation or stimulation (depending on the situation)
- Rehabilitation of muscles or tendons
That way, a massage can be used for muscular rehabilitation, as well as to promote general relaxation.
It should be noted that massage helps promote good blood circulation, which allows the tissues to easily slide over each other.
The benefits of infant massage
Increased attachment and emotional bond
Infant massage involves eye contact, laughter, caresses and other interactions with the baby. It allows the infant to interact positively with his parents.
Massage also activates the body’s reactions in a favorable way.
Relaxes and releases stress
Like all other types of massage, infant massage helps to release or eliminate tension in the body.
Although people often do not believe that children suffer from this, the reality is that they are able to accumulate tension and feel discomfort.
Of course, the typical source of this type of discomfort is due to an injury resulting from a poor posture.
Remember, for example, when parents put their children to sleep, they are not always ready to help them change their position after some time, and this can make them uncomfortable.
Encourages psychological development
Infant massage allows babies to feel more secure. This is because they get full attention when they are massaged.
Fear is reduced while calm, relaxation and self-confidence are promoted, which stimulates their psychological development in a positive way.
Learns recognition of body limitations
Through infant massage, the baby can understand the limitations of his body. In other words, he can begin to understand its dimensions, and have a perception of his own body fullness.
Little by little, massage can help babies understand that they are no longer an extension of their mother, but that they are their own individuals.
Benefits for the digestive system
Babies often suffer from intestinal problems. One of the biggest benefits of infant massage is that it promotes the digestive system, and soothes gas and colic.
The body also absorbs nutrients better when the digestive system is improved.
Benefits for the immune system
When the human body is calm and free of stress, then the function of the immune system improves.
By offering infant massage, you can make sure that the immune system is in a good state to meet infections, as well as fight certain diseases.
Improves the development of the nervous system
Through massage, we perceive movements, caresses and stretches that transmit signals directly to the brain.
Therefore, infant massage can improve the baby’s ability to recognize stimuli, and therefore further develop the nervous system.
Improves circulation
Without a doubt, massage helps increase blood circulation, which improves breathing.
With a larger oxygen supply, the blood is cleaner. Infant massage achieves this and it also helps to drain the lymphatic system at the same time.
Strengthens the breathing system
Infant massage performed on the chest, shoulders and the area of the back helps to strengthen the lungs, and optimizes breathing.
Improves muscles
Infant massage also helps tone the skin, improves flexibility and improves the coordination of the upper and lower extremities.
There are several benefits to infant massage. Touch allows the development and strengthening of emotional bonds, which promotes the child’s neuro-psychic development.
Moreover, all the functions of the body are enhanced in a relaxed state, leading to good health and well-being.
