Cold exposure & slapping massage for babies?

December 30, 2004

Hi Laura, & All,

Peter wrote:

>>4. Immediately after birth when babies have stronger immunity

they should be exposed to more vigorous physical and temperature

factors (i.e. naked baby in a cool or even cold room receiving short

forceful massage with slapping until pinkish skin) Well, I did it to my

daughter. She liked it very much. What do you think? Peter Pavolotsky

Laura asked:

> Hi Phil, I'm not sure I understand #4 on this list...can you explain?

Better ask Peter to explain.

Maybe he means that challenging a healthy baby's autonomic / adaptive

systems to COLD room temperature (which causes peripheral

vasoconstriction - a sympathetic response), followed by brisk massage

(gentle skin-slapping / and flat-hand friction, which causes vasodilation,

a parasympathetic response) keeps the autonomic system fine-tuned,

and therefore promotes adaptation, which is the key to survival.

This principle (vasodilation followed by vasoconstriction) is the basis of

the Finnish sauna (high heat, followed by plunging into ice-water or

snow).

Regular sauna, esp in winter, is said to promote immunity for prople who

can take it. Those with heart problems or unstable blood pressure, or

cerebral ischaemia should avoid sauna.

Also, when plunging into ice-water, one should immerse one foot to the

ankle before jumping in. This inhibits a reflex that can stop the heart in

some people.

Best regards,

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December 30, 2004

One of the most ancient concepts in traditional people is that

massage of an infant is one of the most essential paractices for

strengthening the childs nervous system and immune functions. Many

techniques for doing this have been developed - including many

medicated oils that are useful in differant constitiutions and for

specific medical purposes.

I suggest daily oil massage for all infants. It is not necessary to

shock the child by slapping or over stimulation. In fact I would

think such practices as slapping and rough rubbing of the skin would

be counterproductive. The child should only be massaged when they are

relaxed and calm - the massage should be enjoyable to the child - and

it should not be applied when the child is upset or fretful.

Importantly the child should be kept warm and should never be allowed

to become chilled. I have seen many developmental problems corrected

or at least benefited by daily massage.

The number one thing massage does for infants is it strengthens and

stabalizes the autonomic system potentially calming the sympathetic

system - this is helpful in avoiding hyprereactivity states that

might later develop into ADD or ADHD. This also can stabalize

hormonal balance to the extent that the pituitary can reset itself

after a difficult and stressful gestation and or delivery. Many

infants suffer extreme stress in the womb and during delivery -

nothing will help these children more than daily oil massages. This

massage should include manipilation of the legs and arms in a

systematic alternating gentle pushing and pulling of the limbs.

Follow the meridians as you are massaging.

Another technique to try during the time of massage is to hold the

child in your hands supporting the back but not the arms, legs, or

head - the child will flail their arms and legs because they will

feel insecure - this practice will help to encourage the child to

quickly recover their balance - this improves the balancing

mechanisms that are always disturbed in a child that has any

autonomic imbalances.It is not necessary to do this for more than a

few seconds - it is simply a training mechanism which allows the

childs nervous system to learn more effecient recovery from insecure

situations. Children that can not quickly recover after becoming

disturbed will have many developmental problems physical and

psycholgical - such chidren will be greatly benefited by oil

massage.

December 30, 2004

Dear Vindox,

Sorry if this salutation is wrong, as I do not see your name.

In Shonishin, a form of acupuncture paediatrics from Japan, General Whole

Body Treatment is made with light massage/stroking from the head to the

feet, avoiding only the yin surfaces of the inner leg and arm, it may be

made with a silver spoon. It is very good at bringing the yang qi down, and

can be taught easily to parents. It is recommended not to make such

treatment after bathing, I suspect because the skin pores may be open.

Mother's report the joy/pleasure they see in the face of their babies with

such stroking.

I recall a case told by Stephen Birch of an infant with cerebral palsy,

where he treated once a month and the parents treat this way daily, with

phenomenal results.

As we also bred horses, so I find myself doing the same to the young foals

who are quite delighted by the touch.