Baby Massage

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 of 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... e 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 I 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 mental well-being.

Stimulus is essential for an all round development of the infants. Without the stimulus and self­reinforcement 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.