When you have a baby or toddler that isn't feeling well, your whole routine can get thrown out of whack. But, choosing medication to soothe your baby may not always be an option because children are more sensitive to medications than adults, according to Baby Center.
If you want to try a more natural solution to baby ailments such as sinus congestion and tummy troubles or want to encourage your baby to relax, reflexology may be able to help, according to Natural Transition. The video at the end of the article demonstrates a simple way to put the unique massage option into your daily routine.
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Origins of reflexology
Reflexology focuses on the stimulation of nerve endings in the feet through massage, according to Nourish. Reflexology may be so effective in babies because their feet are not fully developed which means they have soft skin and bones for easy manipulation, according to Natural Transition.
Reflexology focuses on the stimulation of nerve endings in the feet through massage, according to Nourish. Reflexology may be so effective in babies because their feet are not fully developed which means they have soft skin and bones for easy manipulation, according to Natural Transition.
The origins of reflexology may date back to around 2300 B.C., according to the University of Minnesota. This practice is not used to cure any disease or illness, but works in tangent with other treatments, though it may offer relief from minor problems, according to the University of Minnesota.
"You can use reflexology as a natural healing therapy for acute illnesses as well as a preventative maintenance tool for good health," according to Natural Transition.
Using Reflexology
The method works best in babies ranging in age from newborn to 2 years old, notes Nourish, and it may be especially helpful for babies who had a difficult birth, according to Natural Transition.
The method works best in babies ranging in age from newborn to 2 years old, notes Nourish, and it may be especially helpful for babies who had a difficult birth, according to Natural Transition.
Natural Transition offers a few tips for properly using this practice to help your little one:
— Use gentle pressure
— Keep in mind that reflex points may be more sensitive if your child is sick
— Keep the treatment to less than 10 minutes
— Watch your baby for their reaction, stop if it seems uncomfortable for them
— Add a reflexology session at bedtime or while feeding baby
— Aim for at least weekly sessions
— Try different massage strokes to find what your baby likes
— Use gentle pressure
— Keep in mind that reflex points may be more sensitive if your child is sick
— Keep the treatment to less than 10 minutes
— Watch your baby for their reaction, stop if it seems uncomfortable for them
— Add a reflexology session at bedtime or while feeding baby
— Aim for at least weekly sessions
— Try different massage strokes to find what your baby likes
Have you used reflexology with your baby? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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