Bring calm and balance with baby acupressure and massage

Massage is calming for everyone, not just adults! In just 20-30 second spurts, baby acupressure and massage can help soothe, calm, balance and even stimulate your baby. The technique is simple: use gentle, pulsing pressure for 30 seconds or gentle rubbing. Apply a light, brushing touch in a downward direction, starting from the head to the toes and from the chest to the hands.

Baby Acupressure

Acupressure is a great tool to help balance a baby’s energy and encourage relaxation. Use points in the hands, fingers and feet for this purpose. Specifically, the L14 point between the thumb and pointer finger and the LV3 point along the top of the foot.

To help baby fall asleep, try the Yin Tang point at the top of the nose directly between the eye brows. You can also try acupressure and massage on the bottom of the foot from the bottom of the arch (Shimian) to the top of the arch (Kid 1 point). The L14 point on the hand and the LV3 point on the foot are also great for helping to relieve teething symptoms.

Baby Massage

Massage can aid a number of common baby challenges like gas, bloating, colic and constipation. To keep your baby balanced and to keep his or her digestive track moving, try massaging with just a few strokes during every diaper change – but always wait 30 minutes after feeding. Start with very light pressure, barely touching baby’s tummy. Listen for tummy sounds as a sign that things are moving along. As you first start applying baby massage, your baby may cry. Take breaks, calm the baby down, then try again with adjusted pressure. You can also use a natural oil to reduce friction.

On the abdomen, massage 20 times in a clockwise direction. If the baby is experiencing diarrhea, go counter clockwise 10 times first, then 10 times in a clockwise direction. On the foot, start a baby’s heel and move toward the ball of the foot. Use gentle rubbing and following a line going from the outer to inner arch.

Whether you’re trying baby acupressure or baby massage, try to create a quiet, relaxing environment. Even play soft, soothing music. And choose naturally soothing times that you can build upon existing rituals, such as before bath time, nursing or bed time. Baby massage can be stimulating or sometimes irritating, so it’s important to watch your baby for any reactions and adjust the points and pressure as needed.

Keep in mind many of these acupressure points also work for adults, so don’t be afraid to try a few on yourself or your spouse! If you’d like a few tips or have questions about how Chinese Medicine like acupressure and massage can help you and your entire family, including throughout every stage of pregnancy, contact Linda Lofaro for a complimentary consultation.