Baby Massage in Different Countries
In the Eastern countries the massage ritual for babies and infants occupies a very important place. The loving massage given to the baby by the mother with her own hands is the most fulfilling form nurturing that creates a special bonding between the two. Massage provides so many benefits. It aids digestion, relieves colic, eases tension, regulates breathing, and spurs growth. It offers the infant not just the comfort and stimulus of touch, but a full range of enriching sensual experiences … eye contact, a soothing voice, a familiar scent.
For centuries in many diverse cultures, mothers have been massaging their babies.
In India, babies are massaged between one and six months of age. The massage treatment often extends to the age of one. The Maoris, the native people of New Zealand traditionally massage their infants.
In Fiji, mothers massage their babies after baths with coconut oil. Eskimos, the natives of Alaska, U.S., have a rich infant massage history.
In Nigeria and other parts of East Africa, infants are massaged between one and twelve months.
The ancient art of baby massage is a beautiful and simple way to express love and to establish a deeper emotional parent-infant bond. The latest research has found that baby infant massage has a direct and crucial effect on both physical and neurological growth. Massaged infants show a greater weight gain and superior motor and mental development. Psychologically, what can be more superb than loving touch through baby-infant massage? Infant massage is important for all those who are concerned with the nurturing of their infant…and it’s perfect for both mother and father in developing a lasting relationship between the parent and baby.
In many ancient cultures the art of Infant Massage has traditionally been passed down from mother to daughter. In India it is still practised as a part of normal child care.
The Benefits of Baby Massage
The Magic of Touch Massage has immense physiological benefits. It starts in the womb, where the baby is kept warm and nourished, and is massaged continually by the activities going around it. Right after birth, the baby is exposed to the loving touch of the medical staff, parents, friends and others. Constantly, cuddled and caressed as an infant, his level of growth hormone increases and the myelin coating protecting his motor nerves thickens. Apart from physical growth, massaged babies also exhibit a spurt in the emotional and menial well-being.
Stimulus is essential for an all round development of the infants. Without the stimulus and self-reinforcement of touch and despite the release of growth hormone, he stops growing. This has been proved by studies conducted on babies, who have been growing in orphanages, deprived of the loving care and touch of their parents.
Researchers are confirming the benefits of baby massage that loving parents have known for centuries. For millennia, eastern cultures and ancient tribes have practised the art of infant massage. Skin-to-skin contact and the gentle connection of adult hands to tiny limbs have long been a means to comfort as well as security to soothe a baby.
Benefits to the Baby
Till recently, it was assumed that children or babies do not experience any kind of stress. Studies, however, reveal that babies can suffer from stress of loud noises, bright lights and discomforting environmental hazards. Slightly older children, on the other hand, are acutely sensitive and aware of any changes in their day-to-day living. Any kind of change, either in residence, or schedule, or family changes, can raise their stress levels. Massage helps children learn how to turn off the effects of “stress” hormones and increases the level of “feel good” hormones. Learning to decrease the effects of stress, benefits a person throughout their life. Since, stress is a known hazard for erosion of memory, decreased stress can also prevent memory loss as an adult.
Therapists certified in therapeutic massage note, the following beneficial effects of infant massage: Stimulation
• Skin sensitivity is the earliest developed function. Doctors have noted that skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, warts, and chronic acne can improve with decreased levels of stress. Clinical studies show that children with atopic dermatitis, extreme dry skin, demonstrated significant improvement while, receiving massage therapy.
• Studies have shown that babies that are gently handled & stroked are fatter; more bright-eyed and have more easy-going dispositions than other babies. Gentle handling improves stability of the nervous system and resistance to disease.
• Massage improves the function of a baby’s brain, heart and liver. It improves blood flow, strengthens gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
• Infants who are massaged regularly are more alert and sociable when awake. They tend to do more ‘vocalising’ or ‘baby chatting.’ As they grow they tend to be more relaxed and open with healthy touch-hugging, cuddling, holding hands, etc.
Relaxation
• Babies sleep better and soothe more easily. They have fewer episodes of apnoea (breathing stops briefly).
• It enables them to release pent up tension and anxiety.
• Massage helps babies in getting used to being touched by various people and responding to it with relaxation.
• It enhances their positive feelings about their bodies, helping them grow up with a healthy body image.
• It teaches them relaxation techniques they will carry through their life.
• They are also able to tolerate noise and keep calm under provocations.
Relief
• Massage helps with relief of colic and digestive problems.
• It helps tone the digestive tract, thereby moving gas and faecal material for easier expulsion. Massage especially benefits children with special needs.
• It may help relieve discomforts of teething, congestion and emotional stress. Interaction
• Massage enhances the bonding process.
• Infant and caregiver ‘feel’ closer as they share this communication of love.
• Eye contact is enhanced during this ‘quiet’ time of the day.
• Intuitive interaction is enhanced if the massage is done mostly in silence without a lot of extra ‘chatter.’
• It is a therapy that builds trust and intimacy. Benefits to the Parents
Just as important, baby massage builds a bond of love and caring that both parents can share. Health professionals stress that parents-not therapists-should massage their own infants, so they can spend precious moments centred on baby (especially important for working parents and those with multiple children). Fathers in particular can gain confidence in creating an emotional bond with their child through practising the techniques of baby massage.
Bonding
• Enhanced through increased eye contact.
• Increased prolactin levels-a hormone needed to produce breast milk, also known as the “mothering” hormone.
• Has been used with great results in cases of neglect and abuse. Children who have a well-nurtured childhood with strong bonding process, are less likely to resort to violence as teenagers than the ones, who are deprived of the nurturing bonds.
Recognition
• In studies it has been shown that mothers who had a lot of early contact were able to choose their 3-8 year old children’s pyjamas from among others that were identical.
• Gives you a chance to ‘mirror’ your love. Entertainment
• Computer studies have shown that infants synchronize their body movements with the speech of their mothers.
• Massage enhances this response as infant and caregiver become more in ‘sync’ with each other.
Stress Relief
• There is a decrease in Cortisol levels (stress hormone), if you routinely massage a baby, you will have a measurable decrease in your stress levels.
• Routinely practising the breathing and relaxation techniques needed to successfully do the massage will become automatic in other parts of your life.
• Many working parents have found that doing the massage, as soon as they get home, helps them to relax and “reconnect” with their baby before they start their evening routine.