Let your feet do the talking – the benefits of Reflexology for babies and children
There is no ‘how to’ guide that can fully prepare you to be a parent, and when your child is suffering from an early discomfort such as colic, teething, reflux, or other digestive issues, it is sometimes hard to know which direction to turn.
Reflexology is something that has worked and continues to work to support both my children, as well as myself. A holistic (treats the whole body) complementary (used to complement other treatments) therapy that can be done anywhere, as all you need are feet or hands.
Like the concept of ‘chi’ in acupuncture, the paradigm of reflexology breaks the foot (or hand) into five zones, with different areas representing the body’s systems and organs. Applying pressure with thumbs and fingers to these areas, creates a positive change in the corresponding zone of the body, relieving tensions, anxiety, congestions, and encourages relaxation, improves mood, and aids sleep.
Hose pipes of energy
Think of your body as being made up of hose pipes of energy (nerves) and when there is a kink in the hose pipe, this stops the energy flowing around your body, making you feel unbalanced. By putting pressure on one end of the hose pipe, it can help to unkink it; become balanced with a sense of relaxation and good wellbeing.
‘Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation and since it has been estimated that about 75% of disease is stress related [this supports the body against disease. It also]…stimulates nerve supply and the flow of nerve energy.” – Reflexology A Practical Approach, Vicki Pitman with Kay MacKenzie.
Having been a reflexologist for over seven years, I recently trained in the Tiny Toes Reflexage Technique, combining simple massage moves with Reflexology, so that I can empower and teach parents to treat their little ones, anywhere, anytime. This holistic approach is a wonderful tool to support both mum and baby in the fourth trimester and beyond. The benefits of touch from a young age are renowned for supporting development and growth.
Benefits of touch therapy
Touch therapy was first introduced in neo-natal wards to support development of premature babies. In 2004, a study found that babies who were massaged regularly on a neo-natal ward spent less time in hospital and had fewer postnatal complications. Eastern culture has always recognised it’s importance, to strengthen the body, aid health conditions and support development. Close skin and body contact is part of daily custom and in many cultures, babies are carried around in slings whilst the mother attends to her daily chores. Something Carifit themselves also champion; keeping your little one as close to you as possible.
Humans hold emotions in our muscles. If we are stressed, our muscles tense up. If calm, they relax. Anything we can do to help our babies relax their muscles will have wonderful benefits to their physical and mental health. Relaxed muscles help support good blood circulation. When we are tense, this can affect our nervous system which constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the soft tissues. Babies who are regularly touched have a more stable heart and breathing rate and are less tense and irritable.
Simple techniques to do on your little one
Although every session I host is adapted to best support the babies in the room, and their specific needs, here are a few simple reflex points for you to try on your little one:
Adrenal Glands & Hypothalamus: To reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, within our bodies, and stimulate the release of oxytocin (happy hormone) which is produced in the hypothalamus and released by posterior pituitary into the bloodstream. The combination of these helps to improve the emotional wellbeing throughout your baby’s body.
TMJ / Temporomandibular Joint: This joins your jaw to your skull. In adults, this takes a lot of pressure as we tend to clench our jaw when stressed. In babies, there can sometimes be trauma to this area through birth and being squeezed through the birth canal and this can impact feeding. The TMJ joint is one of the fastest growing joints during childhood. You may hear a baby or child grind their teeth when asleep as a way of soothing pain from teething. As a child matures in age, this can then be a sign of anxiety or worry.
Solar Plexus: The centre of our nervous system, our core energy point and centre of emotions. Putting pressure on this in babies causing them to feel calm. This is a great technique for parents when little ones are not able to be consoled.
If you can carve out this unique time to concentrate on you and your little one, using massage and reflexology to help empower you as a parent, this will not only provide comfort to your baby but also you. By simply running your finger down their spine reflex, or holding their solar plexus reflex, combined with your one-on-one attention, supports their wellbeing, aids discomforts and provides a wonderful experience and moment of connection with your baby.
“We created Reflexage because of the positive benefits of combining elements of Reflexology and massage for babies, together they form a gentle natural way to enhance the bond between parent and baby. Becoming a parent is life changing, for many parents it can be a difficult time trying to understand their baby's cues. Reflexage is an effective way of connecting further and empowers parents to understand their baby's discomfort. Babies hold tension, from being curled up in the womb, their birth and delivery and adjusting to their new environment. Reflexology and massage combined can address these tensions and offer parents techniques to use to ease their baby's discomforts.” - Emma Baxter, Tiny Toes Reflexage, Principle Tutor PRM MAR
Mum & Baby Testimonials
“Emma treated my 2yr old son who was distressed with chronic constipation, where mainstream remedies had failed Emma was able to treat him successfully with quick results. Her caring nature put him at ease straight away which allowed her to work her magic.” – Jen
“I did Emma’s baby massage and reflexology class with my daughter Alice - Emma was brilliant and taught the concepts in an accessible, hands-on way, adapting content to help with issues most relevant to us (teething and colds in our case!) which put both mums and babies at ease! It’s been great for bonding but also given me practical techniques I can use to ease Alice’s discomfort at night, improving sleep and making us both feel better!” – Merav
“I learned so much in Emma’s baby reflexology workshop. The course was fascinating, and Emma showed me how to use reflexology to help my baby with many issues. In particular, I found it so useful in dealing with my baby’s digestive and teething issues. The results were almost instantaneous!” - Miranda
