Why do we massage our infants?

   There are many different ways massage benefits the child and the parent or caregiver. Both clinical and anecdotal researches show short and long term positive outcomes of the nurturing touch.    

   

         The Infant Massage benefits can be grouped into 4 categories: interaction, stimulation, relief and relaxation.

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Interaction:  

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• IM promotes  bonding and secure attachment

• aids in communication, verbal and non-verbal

• enhances feelings of love and respect

• develops confidence

• improves baby's body awareness and body ownership and more   

 

Stimulation:

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• stimulates the largest organ of the body, the Skin, satisfying the primal need for touch 

• stimulates the nervous system and aids in its development , speeds  Myelination 

• stimulates the Vagus nerve , influencing food absorption

• may stimulate and increase the communication between right and left hemispheres of the brain 

• stimulates the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, hormonal, lymphatic and immune system 

• may assist in muscular growth  and development 

• assists with coordination, balance, body and mind awareness and more

 

Relief: 

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• may provide relief of discomfort associated with colic, gas, constipation, reflux

• may naturally provide relief for teething, growing pains, some hospital procedures through endorphin and oxytocin release

• assists in lowering stress and anxiety levels

•  assists in emotional stress relief during the recovery process following illness, loss

• helps to tone the digestive tract

• may help reduce and alleviate flareups of eczema and more

 

Relaxation:

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• aids in reduction of Cortisol, the “stress hormone”

• improves sleep patterns 

• positively influences  the regulation of behavioral states 

• increases baby’s tolerance for stress

• helps baby relieve tension built-up from everyday learning intakes 

• benefits the parent or the provider by relaxing through release of “feel good hormones “, like oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine , endorphin and prolactin and more

 

 

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   Massage for the baby is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It positively influences every aspect of the baby’ life, creating a loving, nurturing ,safe and stimulating environment for the little human to thrive and enjoy a healthy life with a positive state of mind in dealing with all kind of day by day explorations or challenges .