Benefits of Infant Massage: Part Two
Would you like better quality sleep? A “brainy” child? Natural relief for painful conditions like wind, constipation and teething? These perks and more may be experience by parents who regularly massage their infant, toddler or child. It is never too late to learn “infant” massage and the strokes and techniques are beneficial across all ages. Here’s how….
Sleep
Ever heard of serotonin?? It is often referred to as the ‘feel good’ hormone. It not only helps to improve mood, its helps us sleep because serotonin turns into melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us feel sleepy at night. So, massage improves serotonin, more serotonin equals more melatonin and more melatonin means better quality sleep. But don’t take my word for it, studies have shown that after a massage, children fall into a deeper and more restorative sleep. WIN!!
Brain development
By “brainy”, I’m not simply referring to IQ. I’m referring to cognitive development. What’s cognitive development?? It is the mental process involved in gaining knowledge and understanding. For example thinking, remembering, problem solving and decision making. These are higher-level functions of the brain. The point?? Regular touch including massage has shown to help enhance cognitive development in babies and children, helping them to be creative, improve language, develop their perception of the world and plan for the future, albeit the very immediate future (eg. walking towards and picking up a toy).
In addition to this, massage speeds myelination of the nervous system and brain. This is significant because it allows for improvement in brain-body communication. Meaning an enhancement of the message sent between the brain and the musculoskeletal system aka the muscles and the bones. This is beneficial to improve physical health like coordination, strength and stamina.
Natural Pain relief
Massage releases endorphins which can act like opiates to block pain. Babies in particular can be subject to many painful conditions like wind, colic and teething. Regular massage can help ensure your little one copes better with the pain caused by these conditions, without having to reach for pharmaceutical relief.
Additionally when learning infant massage, you will be taught the ‘colic sequence’ which is beneficial for wind colic and constipation. This involves specific massage techniques directly on to the lower abdomen. When applied correctly, this can provide immediate relief to babies or children suffering from these painful conditions.
Book in an individual lesson or group class today to learn infant massage for yourself. Group classes consist of two one hour sessions, run over two consecutive weeks. Book online in the "Workshops" tab on our website.