Massage is a method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands.
Benefits of massage
- Promotes bonding and communication
- Assists in overall growth and development
- Promotes sounder and longer sleep
- Improves function of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, eliminative, nervous, and immune systems
- Reduces the symptoms of colic, gas and GI tract distress
- Gives relief from the discomfort of teething and congestion.
- Improves sensory awareness
- Helps baby learn to relax, decreases production of stress hormones
- Reduces fussiness
- Enhances awareness of being loved, accepted, and responded to assists in increased vocalizations
The following conditions represent situations where massage should be avoided?
- Open or weeping wounds
- Infected skin irritations
- Fractures or other acute injuries
- Bleeding
- No massage over an unhealed navel
- Burns, including sun burn
- Undiagnosed lumps
- No abdominal massage if the infant has hiccups or has just been fed
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