Benefits of Foot Massage in Babies

Introduction

The reflex points are located on the hands, feet, and head. Research suggests that babies benefit from therapeutic touch like a gentle massage which can get rid of sickness, digestive issues, fussiness, teething pains, and other discomforts. Massage and soothing touch create a warm bond between the baby and the parents. Foot massage has various benefits since each area of the foot is related to corresponding muscles, organs, and body parts.

How Helpful Is Foot Massage In Babies?

In general, massaging babies relieves them from various discomforts, promotes good sleep, and relaxes them. Massaging the foot in particular has great benefits since each region of the foot is connected with various body parts. For instance, massaging the toes can alleviate teething pains and ease the head in babies. Upper abdominal discomfort can be relieved by a gentle massage on the sole under the foot pad. Heel massage can ease pelvic (hip) discomfort. Massaging the sole above the baby’s heel can reduce lower abdominal discomfort. Foot reflexology is effective in babies since the ligaments and muscles have not fully developed and are more responsive to gentle massages or rubs.

What Are The Massaging Tips To Be Followed In Babies?

Various massaging tips are as follows:

• Appropriate Pressure: Too much pressure while massaging can hurt the babies and it can no longer have a therapeutic effect. Babies might not cooperate. Applying firm but gentle pressure needs to be followed since increased pressure can irritate the soft body of infants.

• Do Not Force: Babies might not always be in the mood to get massages done. They might be upset or tired and this is normal. Parents must not follow a strict massaging routine and continue massaging if the baby is not willing. The baby’s cues must be followed. If they cry, push the parent’s hands, or get agitated then massaging should be stopped. Babies may remain quiet while massaging one area but later may feel tired and not want to proceed further. These cues should be followed, and massaging be stopped and resumed later.

• Comfortable Environment: The surroundings should be comfortable for both the baby and the parents. The temperature of the room should neither be too hot nor too cold. Babies can be laid on a soft towel or a blanket on the floor or on the bed. Fresh, organic oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil can be used to massage babies accompanied by soft music.

What Are The Benefits Of Massage In Babies?

Baby massage offers the following benefits:

• Stimulates the skin when touched and promotes the release of endorphins (hormones that relieve pain, and stress and improve the sense of well-being) through improved circulation.

• It enhances the nervous system and reduces pain sensation by interrupting the pain pathways.

• It boosts energy by removing toxins and improving the immune system.

• Increased energy through relaxation.

• Improved bond and interaction with the baby.

• Promotes peaceful sleep.

• Parents become more confident in handling and recognizing the baby’s needs.

When To Start A Baby Massage?

There are no hard and fast rules to follow in a baby massage. A soothing touch can be beneficial for babies but some babies may feel normal massages to be overstimulating during the early weeks. It is better to wait for six weeks before starting a massage so that the routine of the baby is known and their behaviors predictable. Starting massages after six weeks after a routine checkup can also help to identify developmental issues such as hip dysplasia (a condition in which the upper ball portion of the thighbone does not fully fit into the hip socket).

What Should Be Done Before A Baby Massage?

Points to be remembered before a baby massage are:

• Massaging should not be done before or after mealtime or if the baby is sleepy.

• Any jewelry that may rub or irritate the baby’s skin should be removed.

• The baby must be laid on a soft towel or a blanket on the floor or the bed.

• Any signs of disinterest or fussiness shown by the baby should be recognized and massaging be stopped.

What Are The Various Reflexology Points On The Baby’s Legs And What Purpose Do They Serve?

A pediatrician (child specialist) must be consulted before following the reflexology techniques. The various reflexology points on the baby’s legs are as follows:

• Pressure Point To Manage An Empty Belly: Babies cry when hungry. In instances where the hunger pangs of the baby need to be controlled, gentle pressure can be applied to the toes. This area is linked to the hypothalamus (hunger and appetite center) of the brain. Massaging this point can also relieve teething discomforts.

• Pressure Point To Treat A Runny Nose: The center of the baby’s toes is linked to the sinuses. Gentle rubbing of this area can relieve runny nose, nasal congestion, and breathing difficulty.

• Pressure Point To Relieve Chest Congestion: The ball area of the foot just below the neck of the toes corresponds to the lungs. Messaging this area can treat chest congestion caused by an infection or cold.

• Pressure Point To Promote Growth And Improve Mood: The ball part of the baby’s big toes is connected to the pituitary gland (the master gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones for growth and controls other glands). Gentle massage to this part can stimulate the growth hormone. The pituitary gland also secretes a substance called ‘oxytocin’ which is called the ‘cuddle hormone’ and keeps the baby happy. When a breastfeeding mother massages this portion of their toe, it can boost breastmilk production.

• Pressure Point To Improve Immune System: The perimeter of the balls of the baby’s feet are linked to the thymus gland (the gland that improves immunity and helps fight against infections by releasing antibodies). Massaging this area gently keeps the baby healthy, and happy and prevents sickness.

• Pressure Point To Reduce Anxiety: Babies can become anxious with new people or new surroundings. This can be relieved by massaging the arch of the foot which is connected to the solar plexus (a nerve center located in the stomach that controls digestion and respiration and is responsible for fight-or-flight response). This slows down rapid breathing and relaxes the baby.

• Pressure Point To Boost Energy: A small point on the foot below the arch is linked with the adrenal gland (the gland that releases adrenaline and helps control heart rate and blood pressure). Massaging this area can boost the energy in babies.

• Pressure Point For Bladder Control: Since babies have poor bladder control, massaging the middle of the sole after breastfeeding or giving any liquids can help babies to empty the bladder shortly.

• Pressure Point To Promote Digestion: The sole under the foot pad and the part of the sole just above the heel are linked to the upper and lower abdomen and intestine. Gentle pressure on this area can help resolve digestive issues, colic, trapped gas, and constipation in babies.

• Pressure Point To Ease The Hips: The heel of the foot is associated with the pelvis or hip. Massaging this area eases discomfort in the hips.

What Are The Other Foot Massages?

Other ways of exercising the baby’s feet include:

• Toes To Nose: By bringing the baby’s feet together such that the soles touch, the baby’s feet must be rocked gently as far toward the nose as possible before returning to the original position. This helps relieve gas.

• Twists: This is done by straightening the baby’s hips or bending their knees and slowly rocking the hips from one side to another so that the top half is flat on the floor. This is helpful to treat constipation as it squeezes the digestive system.

• Jumping: By holding the baby’s feet and gently pushing the knees to the belly button and straightening it back in a rhythmic manner can release the gas immediately.

• Thumb Circles: Massaging the baby’s palms and the soles of the feet by moving the thumbs in a circular motion during or after feeding can relax the baby, enabling them to swallow less air while feeding and hence, less gas formation later.

Conclusion

There are many massaging techniques and there is no right or wrong method to massage babies as long as it is gentle. Massaging helps to calm the babies and develops a bond between the parents and babies. A parent’s touch may help the baby feel pampered, cared and nurtured. Massaging specific points on the foot can have beneficial effects on various parts of the baby’s body.