Massage for infants

[Guest guest]

I would like to mention a technique that comes from Ayurveda which is

an excellent therapy for child development.

 

In India we massage children with oils daily. There are many benefits

to this but in my mind the most useful aspect of this technique is

that it develops and strengthens the nervous system of the child and

develops the Defensive Qi therefore improving immune functions. Many

children develop hyper sensativities on the surface that makes them

vulnerable to exogenous pathological influences physical and

psychological. Any child that seems overly sensitive and has

hyperactive and or depressive symptoms (under or hyper reactive)can be

tremendously benefitted by daily massage. Massage of course warms and

stimulates circulation in the skin and the muscles.

 

The techniques are simple and mainly intuitive - therefore easy to

learn. Contraindications are if the child can not accept the massage

and does not enjoy it then it should never be given under those

circumstances. The child should enjoy this experience and it should be

a wonderful cozy and bonding moment between the child and the person

massaging it. If the child is uneasy and fretful leave it off that

time and try later when the child is more relaxed. In India there are

many oils for this and many mothers make their own oil decoctions that

include various herbs. A good oil to use is ordinary organic expeller

processed sesame oil - this oil must be cured by putting it in a pan

and slowly heating it until a drop of water dropped on the top jumps

and bounces and is quickly evaporated, do not over heat the oil- do

not use mineral oils like western baby oils - the oil can be ghee

(clarified butter)but in that case little oil will be needed - it is

best to lightly heat the oil - the room should be warm and the child

should never be allowed to become cold - the environment should be

calm and quiet so as to not tempt the child to distractions.

 

The actual massage is up to you - just be gentle and do not pull or

over stretch the skin so as to avoid any pain whatsoever (the oil

helps with this)- gentle kneeding and stroking are best - if one knows

the meridan system then use the well oiled thumb to gently trace the

pathways of the meridians - speak softly and lovingly to the child -

flex and extend the limbs several times for each limb - do not massage

the abdomen with any pressure at all but gentle clockwise movements

over the abdomen are helpful - do not make the sessions long otherwise

the child will become tired and want to stop - you should anticipate

this and stop the massage before that restless time comes. After the

massage the oil should be lightly wiped off with a towel - do not wash

the oil off with soap - the skin should feel soft and very slightly

moist from the oil not oily - if one needs to remove more oil then wet

towels that have been dipped in warm water that has had a few drops of

non detergent soap added can be used - followed by a clean towel rub

with clear water (soap - even non-detergent should not be left on the

childs skin) my mother used to finish her children's bath with a towel

dipped in clear warm water that has had a few drops of rose water and

the juice of half a lime in it. After the bath the child should be

wrapped in a big towel and layed to rest or set on a chair while you

clean up the massage and bath area. Children love this and it actually

takes only a little more time than an ordinary bath when one becomes

accustomed to the routine.

 

All children who have even the slightest hint of shyness or any other

depressive symptom should by all means take this daily massage (three

times a week is actually enough but if there are clear pathologies

present massage daily). I believe that this therapy is the most

helpful thing one can do for a child with hyperactive symptoms. In

modern times many chilren are born with underdeveloped nervous systems

because of the exposure in the womb to drugs, chemicals, and the hyper

reactive states of the mother - this causes an abnormal reactivity in

the child and this massage technique can act almost like a miracle to

help the child to complete the development of their under developed

nervous systems.

 

This also is a perfect time for intimacy and bonding that is often

ignored in this modern busy life. Father's please learn this technique

and do not leave it just to your wife to do - both parents should have

constant intimate interchange with their child - this interaction more

than any other thing gives the child a sense of security. This sense

of security gives the child the security for developing their own

personality without fear and doubts.

 

The only chance we have to survive as a species is to raise healthy

happy children who do not have abnormal desires for power and

pathological acquisition - who are balanced and positive. Only healthy

people are free of perverse, unnatural, and harmful behavior patterns.

It is our obligation to give our children every opportunity for

success we can - and good health is the foundation to a successful

life.

[Guest guest]

For those who would like a more scientific model of pediatric massage

a good book to read is 'Chinese Pediatric Massage' by Fan Ya-li

This type of understanding is especially helpful in treating

pathologies but a more casual appraoch is better for daily massage in

my mind. The important thing is to become alert to the child and it's

needs and aversions this will quide you in how to best massage your

child. If one's child is unwell then one should consult an expert and

not try to solve the problem on your own unless you have been properly

trained.