THE POWER OF INFANT MASSAGE FOR BABY AND CAREGIVER
"Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant. Food as necessary as mineral, vitamins, and proteins. Deprived of this food, the name of which is love, Babies would rather die. And often they do." -Frederick Leboyer
Infancy is such a dynamic part of a lifespan, and often the part that you cannot remember at all. What once was thought to be merely a little bundle just sleeping, eating, and excreting, is now viewed as a waking, breathing, and growing human that has feelings, and emotions, and is capable of learning. Parents/caregivers play a vital part in the development of their child. As the caregiver, do you mold yourself to your infant to connect with him of her? Do you maintain your eye contact, or do you turn away? How good are you at reading the nonverbal cues of your little one? Can you tell the different cries for diaper change, hunger, tiredness, or attention? Do you ever have stress and tension in your arms, or face as you hold your child? If your infant shows colic symptoms or constipation, do you know what you could do to relieve such conditions? If your answer was INFANT MASSAGE, then you are in tune with one of the former cornerstones of medicine. Infant massage was once a lost art, but it is now regaining attention in modern society.
Massage dates back to China 3000 B.C., and India 2000 years ago. Rubbing, stroking, and kneading of the body was used to promote health and prevent disease. Researchers in the field are currently finding that the benefits of infant massage include physiological, emotional and social benefits. It has also shown that there are benefits for the infant as well as for the person performing the massage.
Some of the benefits for the infant include: bonding; increased self-esteem; enhanced sense of love; enhanced sense of respect and acceptance; and enhanced communication.
For the parent/caregiver, some of the benefits are: improved ability to read infant cues; improved synchrony between parents and infants; bonding; increased confidence; promoted intimacy; increased communication; developed trust; and developed respect.
In the physiological and physical arena, the benefits for the infant are: improved body awareness; stimulated circulation; increased digestion and elimination; reduced colic symptoms; improved muscle tone coordination; enhanced body/mind connection; calmed nervous system leading to more restful sleep and improved sleep patterns; touch relaxation; reduced stress; increased respiration; and increased hormonal function.
For the parent/caregiver, the physiological benefits include: improved sense of well-being; reduced blood pressure; increased relaxation; reduced stress; and promoted health.
( Schneider, Elaine Fogel . "The Power of Touch: Infant Massage." Infants and Young Children. Aspen Publishers Inc. 1996; 8(3): 40 - 55.)
Why is the notion of touch such an important aspect of child growth and development? The first language between a parent/caregiver and infant is the language of touch. Touch is the first sensory system developed in utero. It is through the sense of touch that an infant discovers him/herself. Hopefully, this will lead to trust and bonding, the first senses of self-esteem and self-worth. These are vital to carry an individual into independence and competency.
The field of infant massage is a way to develop social interactions between the parent/caregiver and the infant in a fun, and non-threatening way. Through the use of infant massage, bonding can develop, bringing families closer together, creating happiness, health and love to last a lifetime.
--© Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider, Ph.D., C.I.M.I.
There are over 300 certified infant massage instructors throughout the United States and internationally. They are especially trained to assist families/caregivers in learning about the art of infant massage. If you are a parent who would like to learn more about infant massage, you can contact Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider . If you live in the Lancaster, CA area take note that individual and group lessons are available.
The Joyous Welcome Through the power of massage I accept you For who you are. Through the power of massage I acknowledge All I have to give. Listening, watching, and touching, the first language of our hearts beats a joyous welcome. For you are a gift, and you are the memories I want to share. With a firm and gentle touch I say "I'm here!" I'll respect you. I'll nurture you empower you, comfort you and protect you. I'll laugh with you cry with you, and drying away your tears, Most of all... with a firm and gentle touch I say, "I'm here!" and I will love you forever.
-Official poem of the International Association of Infant Massage, 1994, 1995, 1996) © Elaine Fogel Schneider , Ph.D. 10/20/94
