![]() For the next installment in my Benefits of Massage Therapy series, I want to talk a little bit about infant massage. As an infant massage instructor, I teach parents and caregivers how to massage their babies. Infant massage has many benefits, not only for the babies, but for the person doing the massage. ![]() Benefits for Babies The benefits of massage for babies can be broken down into 4 categories; relief, stimulation, interaction, and relaxation. Let's take a look at what kinds of benefits fall under those categories. Relief of: • Gas and constipation • Colic • Growing pains • Teething discomfort • Psychological tension Stimulation of: • Language development • Muscle development • Growth • Sensory integration • Mind/body awareness • All Systems of the body Interaction: • Encourages verbal/nonverbal communication skills • Introduces positive, nurturing touch • Provides one-on-one time • Promotes feelings of: Love Trust Respect Tolerance Empathy Relaxation: • Improves sleep patterns • Improves the ability to calm oneself • Reduces levels of stress hormones • Decreases hyperactivity and hypersensitivity ![]() Benefits for parents/caregivers, families, and society* Parents/caregivers: • Decrease in stress hormones • Relaxation • Improved sleep • Stimulation of lactation • Decrease in symptoms of depression • Achieving a better understanding of your baby • Promotion of bonding and attachment • More involvement for parents who work full time and don't get as many opportunities to spend time with their babies • Quality time Family: • Better sleep for everyone • Decrease in sibling rivalry • More relaxed environment • Increased respect Societal Impacts*: • Increase in respect and empathy • Reduction of national health costs due to a healthier society • Reduction of: Abuse Violence Vandalism Crime * Societal impacts are based on studies that have been done in cultures where infant massage is more prevalent. To learn more about my infant massage course, with a description of the class structure. Visit my page on infant massage.
2 Comments
3/31/2016 09:09:11 am
wow, many thanks, very detail post, I will try it tonight :)
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1/7/2020 03:13:48 am
Definitely, massage is very important for infants so mothers should do massage of their new born children on regular basis. It will really help infants to enjoy a healthy childhood as you have also clarified in this article.
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Meet the AuthorAmanda Tarver, (LMT, CEIM, PES, RMT) is a massage therapist and birth worker in the Chicago area. She is dedicated to using a combination of bodywork and education to help people live a better quality of life. Categories
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