12 Benefits Of Child Massage
Did you know that infant massage has multiple benefits? Well, it has been proven that mothers who caress, touch and exert some pressure on some points of their babies’ bodies promote their development in a positive way.
For example, when a mother performs circular motions with her hand on the baby’s abdomen, it favors good digestion, releases gas, relieves stomach pain and also induces relaxation.
Nowadays, people more often require the services of a massage therapist, chiropractor or physical therapist. So it’s no wonder that there is now a category for children, which is called: infant massage.
What is a massage?
A massage is the action of manipulating the muscles of the body through various hand movements. It has a primarily therapeutic function, therefore, it has positive effects on the person.
In this sense, it can be said that massages were conceived as a way to combat pain. Over time, different techniques were developed and today it is known as “structured touch”.
So what is it for?
- Relieve pain, contractures, physical and emotional discomfort.
- Relax or stimulate (depending on the case).
- Rehabilitate (muscles, tendons).
In this way, a massage can be used for muscle rehabilitation, as well as for relaxation in general. It is noteworthy that massages promote good blood circulation and this helps to optimize the smooth flow of tissues.
The benefits of children’s massages
Increase attachment and affective bond
Infant massages involve: eye contact, laughter, caressing, caressing and other interactions with the baby. This allows the baby to positively interact with his parents. Furthermore, massages activate the body’s responses in a favorable way.
Relax and relieve stress
Like all other types, massage for children can relieve or eliminate tension in the body. While we don’t believe babies can suffer from this, they are actually able to build up tension and feel discomfort. Of course, the most common is that this type of discomfort is, above all, injuries due to incorrect posture.
We must remember that, for example, when parents put their children to sleep, they are not always around to help them change positions after a while and this can make the little ones uncomfortable.
Encourage psychological development
Infant massages allow babies to feel more secure. This is because, when they are massaged, they receive all the attention.
As a result, your fears are reduced and tranquility, relaxation and confidence are promoted, positively stimulating your psychological development.
Teach recognition of the limits of the body
Through infant massage, the baby can understand the limits of his body; that is, you start to get an idea about the dimensions. The baby begins to have an idea about body space and his own body.
In other words, it helps babies to understand, little by little, that they are no longer an extension of their mother’s body, but an independent individual. Of course, that doesn’t mean the baby understands it in those same words.
Benefit the digestive system
Babies tend to suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, we must recognize that one of the greatest benefits of infant massage is that it promotes digestive function and also relieves gas and cramps. On the other hand, by improving digestive functions, the body absorbs nutrients better.
Benefit the immune system
When the human body is calm and free from tension, the functioning of the immune system is improved, so by offering infant massages we can ensure that the baby’s immune system will be in good condition and can face infections, as well as defending itself from certain infections. illnesses.
Improve the development of the nervous system
We know that through massages we have a perception of movements, caresses and stretching, which are signals that are transmitted directly to the brain.
Through infant massage, the baby can improve the ability by which it captures stimuli and thus enlarges this area.
improve circulation
Without a doubt, massage helps the blood to flow better, as we can even improve breathing and, with that, we have a greater supply of oxygen that makes the blood cleaner. With children’s massages, this effect is also achieved, in addition, the lymphatic system is drained.
Strengthen the respiratory system
Children’s massages that are performed on the chest, shoulders and back help to strengthen the lungs and optimize breathing.
improve muscles
On the other hand, massage for children also helps to tone the skin, improve flexibility, tone and improve coordination of both upper and lower extremities.
The benefits of children’s massages are manifold. The main thing is that touch allows the development and strengthening of affective bonds that favor the neurophysiological development of children. On the other hand, when relaxing, the body’s functions are optimized. This translates to health and well-being.
