Reflexology is a non invasive gentle therapy suitable for babies from birth. Tiny babies, children and adults can all benefit from this ancient therapy that has been used for centuries to bring about healing, balance and a sense of well-being.
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👣 Here’s a video showing a lovely sequence for your teething baby. Let me know how you get on! ♡
👣 What is Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that all our body parts and bodily systems are reflected on the feet and the hands. Applying gentle massage and therapeutic touch to specific areas will have an effect in the corresponding body part or to the whole child.
👣 How will it help my teething baby?
Your touch will stimulate pain relieving hormones and feel good endorphins
Massaging specific points will bring about relief in the corresponding body area - teeth, jaw, sinuses etc
Promotes calm, is soothing and relaxing
Assists the Immune system
Aids deeper and more restful sleep
Will help your baby to feel safe, secure, understood and comforted
👣 Specific points on the feet to help with teething
Solar plexus point is found underneath the ball of the foot in the centre. This point helps with inducing calm and relaxation.
Points for the teeth are found either side of the toes and above the nail bed on the big toe.
Points for the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) are found either side of the joint on the big toe. This area can get sore and tight with teething babies - the hollow in your cheeks where you find your jaw hinge
Points for the jaw are found above the nail bed on the big toe.
Points for the spine are all the way along the side of the foot from the heel up to the big toe. Good for calming a frazzled central nervous system.
Lymphatic drainage points are on the front of the foot. Sweeping/gliding your thumbs or fingers from the base of the toes up towards the ankle will aid the lymphatic system to remove waste.
👣 How do I give my baby reflexology?
Qualified Reflexologists are trained in very specific techniques and spend years studying, practising and seeing clients in order to qualify. Adult reflexology is completely different from treating a baby or child. The main and very important difference is that you barely use any pressure at all and are aiming just to give some therapeutic touch to your childs feet in the form of gentle massage. Let your hands and fingers make small circles, slides and and strokes with super gentle and soft hands.
👣 When is the best time to give my teething baby reflexology?
Teething can start anywhere from 3 months and if your baby is hard to settle, fussy and has no other obvious signs of illness then it may well be the start of teething. The sequence in the video will help to calm and soothe baby and if their gums are sore then the relevant points we cover will help to make a difference.
It may be super obvious that your baby is teething and in this case go for it! If they are in pain and inconsolable, try some of the techniques whilst you hold, cuddle or feed them - some of the points you’ll be able to access, you’ll be able to give them a ‘partial’ treatment.
Before going down for sleep may help for a more restful night.
👣 Are there times when I should not give my baby refelxology?
If your baby is sick, they may not want to be touched, but just held and comforted. Babies who cry and pull their feet away may be telling you that your touch is unwanted and to try again another time.
Premature babies or unwell newborns may have had blood drawn from their heels regularly and may develop an association of pain to anyone touching their feet. It would be lovely to help them overcome this association by persevering with therapeutic touch to their feet but great care and mindfulness must be taken on your part. You may want to start with gentle massage over socks or clothing at first and gradually graduate to skin to skin. If your touch is unwelcome, try again another time.
👣 Where can I give my baby a treatment?
It is lovely to find a space that is warm and comfortable for both of you but having said that, the wonderful thing about Reflexology is that it is so accessible, versatile and flexible. A treatment can be given anywhere, inside, outside, on the bus, in the park, at home. Your baby does not need to be undressed, you only need their little feet. Treatments can even be given over socks and clothing if necessary.
👣 What do I need?
Very little! If you are at home, it might be nice to use some oil, balm or lotion to allow your fingers and thumbs to glide more easily over their skin. Please read my short blog about suitable oils for baby here: http://lucysangels.co.uk/baby-massage-baby-yoga-videos/preparing-to-massage-baby-with-massage-oil
👣Last word before you try!
Reflexology must not be given in place of medical treatment. These videos are wonderful to try for babies and children with mild conditions that you feel comfortable to try and help with at home. They can also be fantastic to try in the time between being able to see a GP, Health Practitioner or a Qualified Reflexologist or Qualified Alternative Practitioner.
I really hope this helps. Please let me know if you have had any success. Good luck!
Love Lucy ♡
