Reflexology is the ancient practice of massaging pressure points throughout the body to stimulate nerve endings and relieve pain. These nerve endings correspond to certain organs and places in the body. Parents are looking to help their young children through reflexology, especially when it comes to babies that are just getting started and adjusting to being in their beautiful new world.
Listed below are six ways to help your children with pain or discomfort. Professionals recommend that before starting the massage, relax your baby and encourage blood flow to the feet with a gentle food rub or warm bath.
1. Head and Teeth Pain
Babies can often have pain from teething and massaging the tips of their little toes can be very useful and bring relief. You can even do this while they are sleeping, and they will be less likely to wake up from teething pain.
2. Sinus Pressure and Pain
According to reflexologists, the pressure points in the center underside of your child’s toes correspond to the sinuses. Apply a gentle pressure to these spots to provide sinus relief.
3. Chest
This area can be used if a baby is having chest congestion. The pads of the feet just below the toes are pressure points connected to the chest. Applying gentle pressure and massaging in a circular motion can help to relieve the discomfort of congestion or pain associated with coughing.
4. Stomach Pain (solar plexus)
The solar plexus is a storehouse of nerves between the stomach and the lungs. The center of the foot corresponds with the solar plexus, and lightly massaging this area can provide relief from upset tummies, spasms, tightness and trouble breathing.
5. Abdomen Pain (Upper and Lower)
For constipation, indigestion and heartburn, reflexologists recommend massaging the space between the middle of your baby’s foot and the pads of their feet. If pain from gas or bloating is experienced, try gentle massaging the middle of the foot and the heel to help provide pain relief and to bring comfort.
6. Pelvis
The heel of the foot is connected to the pelvis, hips and also part of the stomach. As babies grow rapidly, tension, tightness and sometimes pain can be common in a baby’s hips. Gently rubbing the heel can help your little one feel better and can also be helpful for constipation and upset stomach.
7. A Sense of Security and Calm
Massaging the back base and sides of the heel, known as the mother earth area, gives babies a feeling of safety and comfort. Gently holding the base of the heel with your fingers and applying gentle pressure can help a crying or fussy baby feel calm by giving them a feeling of restful relaxation and relief. Known as the Mother Earth Hold, it gives a gentle sense of grounding and is often recommended at the start of a baby foot massaging routine.
As with any recommendation, always consult a doctor if your child is experiencing a serious medical issue, but certain pains and issues can be soothed and helped with some gentle reflexology. Give these tips a try on your little ones and help them have some relief and relaxation throughout their day.
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