Baby and Children's Reflexology for Constipation
Reflexology is a non invasive gentle therapy suitable for babies from birth. Tiny babies, children and adults can all benefit from this ancient therapy that has been used for centuries to bring about healing, balance and a sense of well-being.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
♡ Lucy’s Angels ONLINE Baby Massage Course! Access over 40 follow-along videos from the comfort of your home. At your own pace, discover how to give your baby a full body massage from birth. You'll also find specific massage, reflexology, and yoga routines to help with teething, colic, constipation, sleep, colds, and more: https://www.lucysangels.co.uk/online-baby-massage-course
👣 What is Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that all our body parts and bodily systems are reflected on the feet and the hands. Applying gentle massage and therapeutic touch to specific areas will have an effect in the corresponding body part or to the whole child.
👣 How will it help my baby with constipation?
Your touch will stimulate pain relieving hormones and feel good endorphins
Massaging specific points will bring about relief in the corresponding body areas
Promotes calm, is soothing and relaxing
Assists the Immune system
Aids deeper and more restful sleep
Will help your baby to feel safe, secure, understood and comforted
👣 Specific points on the feet to help with constipation
Solar plexus point is found underneath the ball of the foot in the centre. This point helps with inducing calm and relaxation.
Lovely technique called a ‘Bowel Sweep’ encouraging flow into the large intestine.
Points for the stomach to ease up a sore tummy and help to relax.
Heel tap. Stimulating all the nerve endings.
👣 How do I give my baby reflexology?
Qualified Reflexologists are trained in very specific techniques and spend years studying, practising and seeing clients in order to qualify. Adult reflexology is completely different from treating a baby or child. The main and very important difference is that you barely use any pressure at all and are aiming just to give some therapeutic touch to your childs feet in the form of gentle massage. Let your hands and fingers make small circles, slides and and strokes with super gentle and soft hands.
👣 When is the best time to give my baby reflexology?
If your baby is in pain, unsettled and needs comforting you can try the techniques in this video whilst they are being held or whilst they are lying down elevated with a pillow.
As a preventative you can try this routine at a time when they are happy and settled and see if it helps lessen the symptoms.
Before going down for sleep may help for a more restful night.
👣 Are there times when I should not give my baby reflexology?
If your baby is sick, they may not want to be touched, but just held and comforted. Babies who cry and pull their feet away may be telling you that your touch is unwanted and to try again another time.
Premature babies or unwell newborns may have had blood drawn from their heels regularly and may develop an association of pain to anyone touching their feet. It would be lovely to help them overcome this association by persevering with therapeutic touch to their feet but great care and mindfulness must be taken on your part. You may want to start with gentle massage over socks or clothing at first and gradually graduate to skin to skin. If your touch is unwelcome, try again another time.
👣 Where can I give my baby a treatment?
It is lovely to find a space that is warm and comfortable for both of you but having said that, the wonderful thing about Reflexology is that it is so accessible, versatile and flexible. A treatment can be given anywhere, inside, outside, on the bus, in the park, at home. Your baby does not need to be undressed, you only need their little feet. Treatments can even be given over socks and clothing if necessary.
👣 What do I need?
Very little! If you are at home, it might be nice to use some oil, balm or lotion to allow your fingers and thumbs to glide more easily over their skin. Please read my short blog about suitable oils for baby here: http://lucysangels.co.uk/baby-massage-baby-yoga-videos/preparing-to-massage-baby-with-massage-oil
👣Last word before you try!
Reflexology must not be given in place of medical treatment. These videos are wonderful to try for babies and children with mild conditions that you feel comfortable to try and help with at home. They can also be fantastic to try in the time between being able to see a GP, Health Practitioner or a Qualified Reflexologist or Qualified Alternative Practitioner.
I really hope this helps. Please let me know if you have had any success. Good luck!
Love Lucy ♡