Guest post: massage your baby’s worries away

An article by Claire    1 Comment

Lucy Johns from Lucy’s Angels returns with top massage tips for how to survive winter bugs.

“Hello again! So, how are the precious bundles? Very possibly a little snuffly and congested as the season changes? Well despair not, as you have healing power at your fingertips! With some essential oils and by gently giving baby a bit of a steaming in the bathroom, you can try some of these strokes before reaching for the calpol.

‘Pitter Patter Raindrops’: Relax your hands at the wrists and tap your fingers firmly but gently all around the chest area. This simple but powerful technique greatly helps to clear the mucus on the chest.

‘Tiny Toes’ Congestion in the chest and sinuses can be released indirectly by working on the feet. Gently roll each toe between finger and thumb from the base and gently giving a little squeeze and a pull at the tip. Here you are stimulating the reflexology points for the head and the sinuses and these strokes are really productive on babies.

Massage can be used as a wonderfully effective tool in aiding relief from common infant ailments, but it also has a profound effect on the entire baby on an emotional and spiritual level. The Taoist massage in particular strives to encourage inner energy flow, and as they ascribe spiritual qualities to each of the vital organs, once these are balanced so is the child. This next stroke from my little book is a favourite of mine as it is based on the concept of Chinese acupuncture meridian lines, but also relates to the important heart chakra that is illustrated in Indian philosophy.

‘Opening the door of the spirit’ Put two fingers on the chest at a point mid-way between the nipples. Move the skin against the underlying bone in a small clockwise circle. This opens the heart centre, builds love, courage and trust and pacifies the spirit.

Most would agree that how a baby is cared for influences how he or she will grow up and care for themselves, for others and one day their own. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to watch our children one day massaging their babies, knowing that we have created this healthy, intelligent habit, much like if your parents read to you every night, I’ll bet that you now read to your kids before bedtime too. This positive exchange is so much more than just the physical massage. The message is deeper and will bond you to your children like the roots of a tree to the earth and will be there for generations for come.

This last stroke is one for relaxation and for refreshing the whole system. It can be done whilst baby is asleep, awake, naked or fully clothed. Imagine where their little angelic wings might appear from, between the ridges of their shoulders, and circle around the fleshy parts above and between the blades with your thumbs. It is called ‘Supporting the heavenly pillar’ . Well thank you and goodbye for now. Cherish your little cherubs until next time!”

Check back soon for Lucy’s last instalment in the series a video blog showing baby massage moves, exclusive to BrightonMums.com