Infant Massage is a vital, dynamic interaction that forms the foundation of relationship building that will last a lifetime.
Nurturing touch between a parent/caregiver and an infant enriches physiological, social-emotional, and mind/body/spirit connections for the infant being massaged, as well as for the parent. Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant, food as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins.
Touch is vital for the development of attachment behavior and for early social development of the young child, in that both the infant and parent have the capacity to elicit and respond to behaviors in mutually pleasurable ways. The original infant-parent tie is very important for infants-and society-because it is from this original attachment and bonding that all subsequent attachments will follow.
Two conditions that enhance development of bonding are the ability of the parent to be sensitive in understanding and responding to his or her infant’s cues, and the amount and nature of the interactions between infant and parent. It is through infant massage that bonding may be deepened.
Social interaction is significant for the parents’ well being, essential for the child’s development during the first three years of life, and paramount thereafter. Babies are social creatures who learn from their interactions with others. Expanding children’s repertoire of interactive behaviors can assist them to influence their world, and deepen their quality of life and the lives of their parents.
Research shows that Infant
Massage has been beneficial in the following areas:
- Helps Relieve Discomfort from Gas, Colic, and Constipation
- Improves Blood Circulation
- Aids in Digestion
- Enhanced Development of the Nervous System
- Stimulates Neurological Development
- Increases Alertness/Heightened Awareness
- Reduces Stress Hormones
- Improves Immune Function
- The Release of Oxytocin, the Nurturing Hormone
