As someone who suffers from digestion pains, the digestive system has always
interested me. It is very common in young babies to suffer from stomach pains, whether it be trapped wind, constipation, diarrhea, the need to burp, etc. Even after birth, their digestive system is continually developing and improving each day. When they begin to eat solids, their little tummies may need time to adjust to some of the new foods.
Watch the video at the end of this blog to learn new techniques to relieve gas and constipation
Finding time for your little one can be tricky
Usually, I squeeze in a small reflexology treatment for my son before bed while he drinks his water and we read our bedtime books. The truth is: Sometimes I would rather give him reflexology treatments earlier in the day (or make some videos for you guys), but he has other plans for me.
So when he was sitting quietly and playing, I started working on his feet. When he didn't get up to explore (we've got a curious george on our hands), I yelled to my husband, "Quick! Grab the phone and come quick!" You would think he was taking his first steps by my reaction. You can imagine my husband's surprise when he realized our son was only sitting and playing nicely.
Can reflexology really help relieve my baby of trapped wind and constipation?
As a baby, my son struggled with gas and constipation. I would do the techniques in this treatment and it would help instantly! You know those nights where your baby is screaming and you're so helpless and don't know how to help them?? If the culprit is gas or constipation, then this quick and easy treatment can help relieve your baby of the discomfort.
Real-World Reflexology
What I love about this video is that it is so real. No acting, no script, just live footage.
Here's a truth bomb: There will be times (probably more often than not) when your baby will not sit for a treatment. And that's ok! This is where you have to get creative and be patient. Sometimes, you will have to take a step back. Sometimes, changing positions or changing toys will not help. The only thing that will help is changing the time. Now might not be the right time. Stop what you are doing and try again later.
While giving reflexology to your little one, you may find that your baby will pull his/her feet (or hands) away from you.
Be patient and receptive. Keep your hands open and welcoming, and they will most likely place their foot right back into your warm and nurturing hand. As you can see in the video below, my son started to get a little antsy towards the end and was pulling his feet away. Before my husband took this video, I had already worked on his feet for a few minutes prior, so it was understandable that he was done. Respect their wishes. It is so important to give them the independence to choose when or if they want reflexology.
Adults VS Children
Working with children is very different from working with adults. Frequently, many adults will reach a relaxed state and/or fall into a deep sleep. Some babies will stay asleep or even fall asleep, but some may continue playing, eating, and/or whatever they were doing.
And some will outright refuse a treatment.
Once a baby starts crawling and moving around more, this is your time to get creative - sing songs, play games, play Peek-A-Boo, read books or play with toys, and get them involved in the session. You can read more about reflexology treatments for babies and children here.
Once, I was giving a reflexology treatment to a mother. She wanted me to give her toddler a treatment, as well, but he refused. I started the treatment on the mother and the toddler stuck his head into the room. He wanted to be in the room with her. He laid on her bed that was next to the massage table. You can't blame his curiosity! After a few minutes, the toddler and his mother both fell asleep. It was very sweet. You can feel the relaxing energy filling the room.
Digestive pains exist in children too
Digestive system issues and pains can be very debilitating for adults. Now, imagine someone who doesn't understand how their body works, doesn't understand what the pain is, and can't express what they are feeling to get help. Just because your child can't point to his stomach and say, "My tummy hurts", doesn't mean that the pain isn't there. Look for clues in other ways.Lifting legs and crying, straining during bowel movements, bloated or hard stomach, decreased appetite, arched back, hard and dark stools, and tense body are only a few signs.
A Cry For Help
There were times when my baby suffered from trapped wind. He was a very calm baby so when he cried, I knew something was really bothering him. One night (this happened many nights but I remember this night particularly well because of his cry), he woke up screaming. His cry was different and I knew something was wrong; I suspected gas because of his cry and super tense body. While I was holding him, he didn't calm down and his cry was literally a cry for help. He was so stiff and wouldn't (or couldn't) relax his body. I started massaging his feet and worked on the digestive system (using the techniques in the video below). After a few minutes of on and off crying, he passed gas and instantly stopped crying. His tense body went limp and his body fell into my arms. And you know what? That was it. I put him down in his bed and he fell asleep.
What to work on?
*always use a gentle touch & refer to the map below
Small intestine: You can start on either foot but I start on the right foot. In a circular motion, gently massage the small intestine. This can be found at the bottom of the arch. On the map, it is colored orange.
Large intestine: Start on the right foot and follow the arrows on the map. Similar to inside the body, the large intestine goes around the small intestine. You can use the 'caterpillar walk' technique, spirals, or gently massage along the path. Always use a light and gentle touch. The large intestine on the map is colored purple. The ascending and transverse colon is located on the right foot.
Small intestine: Now, work on the left foot. In a circular motion, gently massage the small intestine. This can be found at the bottom of the arch. On the map below, it is colored in orange.
Large intestine: You will continue massaging the path of the intestines, starting on the left foot. Follow along the transverse colon, down zone 4 (to learn more about zone therapy, click here), around the heel, and end at the rectum point. Gently massage the rectum reflex point and massage towards the Achilles tendon, as you have seen in the video. The large intestine on the map is colored purple.
Using your thumb, from the small intestine down the length of the foot until the heel. Simultaneously, use another finger to massage from the Achilles tendon towards the heel, meeting your thumb. When the two fingers meet, "pull the gas" out through the heel. The Achilles tendon area is known to be the "general drainage". This helps release gas or stools. Do this technique on each foot, three times.
Yes, this video is not professionally recorded and doesn't include a small baby relaxing quietly. But I love it because of that. It shows raw footage of what a reflexology treatment for baby/young children can actually look like.
As you can see in this video, you may have to stop abruptly to help your child with his/her toy. You may have to end the treatment before you're done because your child has had enough. Watch your child's reactions and cues, be respectful to their boundaries, and try again later if he/she doesn't seem interested!
Is Reflexology like a Foot Massage?
What I love about working with children is that it keeps me on my toes. I have to be creative at all times and switch things up constantly. However, what I love most is that it really shows that reflexology is not just a 'foot massage'; it has thousands of other benefits. Working with children shows that you don't need to fall asleep to benefit from reflexology. A lot of adult clients will expect to reach that deep relaxing state (which a lot of people do need to tap into) but that is not the only benefit of reflexology. Reflexology has so much more to offer. Children are more receptive to reflexology and react quicker than adults do. The reason for this is that they have not yet built their walls up; they don't have the defense mechanisms that we created through our past experiences; they are more open-minded.
Reflexology is an amazing tool that you can use to help relieve your baby from discomfort, give emotional and physical support, and enhance that special bond.
Other common symptoms that reflexology can help are:
Reflux
Colic
Diarrhea
Low immune system
Teething
Lowering fever
Nausea & motion sickness
Colds
Ear infections & excess fluid in the ears
Watch this video to learn how to relieve trapped wind & constipation in babies with reflexology:
*This technique can be used on all ages: newborn, toddler, infant, tween, teen, and adults!*
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please feel free to reach out to me.
For 1-1 consultation, email Israelreflexology@gmail.com
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