Baby massage – a necessity or a pleasure. General restorative massage: types, purpose, algorithm, features of the procedure, massage points and lines, indications and contraindications Technique for conducting children's expectorant massage

For six month old baby is the norm when he can roll over, sits, crawls, tries to pronounce simple words... If, upon reaching this age, the baby has not yet learned to take a vertical position (at least sit), this is a sign of poorly developed dorsal and abdominal muscles.

In this case, he is advised to have a restorative home massage.

Conditions for baby massage

Before starting any type of baby massage, a number of conditions must be met:

1. You can massage babies only in a well-ventilated room.
2. The air temperature should be at least 22 degrees (if it’s hot at home, it’s better to completely undress the baby, but if, on the contrary, it’s cold, then only the part of the body that is currently being massaged should be left naked); Be sure to keep a clean diaper on hand.
3. Hands should be thoroughly washed and warm. It is recommended to pre-smear them with baby cream or oil (preferably odorless); it is better to remove all jewelry from your hands.
4. Massage can be done no earlier than 40 minutes after eating or 30 minutes before eating. This procedure cannot be performed before bedtime.
5. The duration of the massage is usually from 2 to 30 minutes (depending on its intensity and type).
6. If the baby is dissatisfied with something, distract him: give him a toy, talk, sing.
7. Start the procedure with easy exercises, gradually moving on to complex ones.
8. If there are skin rednesses, do not massage these areas.

Remember, massage should not be performed if the child is sick (at a temperature viral diseases, hernia, severe diathesis and rashes), is hungry or has prolonged crying.

Restorative massage for babies

In addition to strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, restorative massage for young children can be performed to improve performance gastrointestinal tract, immune and nervous system, metabolism and immunity enhancement.

This massage is suitable for children whose development level corresponds to their age.

Execution Features

• the child’s back should be lubricated with a product that will not cause allergies or poisoning if it accidentally gets into the mouth;
• it is necessary to correctly calculate the force of pressure on the baby’s skin (no more than if you decided to rub your eyes with your fingers);
• the best time to do it is before swimming, once a day, the process should take from 5 to 10 minutes;
• done in 3 stages: rubbing, kneading and stroking (massage the entire body from arms to feet);
• use techniques of flexion and extension of the limbs, turning the child from the stomach to the back and back, raising the head and torso, kneading the feet and hands (including all fingers).

Technique for performing restorative home massage for young children

Among the huge variety of types and techniques of restorative massage, doctors identify several of the simplest and most suitable manipulations for home exercises with a child.

Note that parents can perform them at home without any special doctor’s prescription:

• turning over from back to stomach and back (we help the baby roll over: slightly turn the pelvis, then the child completes the turn himself);
• bringing and spreading your arms across your chest while lying on your back (the action is repeated 8 times per session);
• extension and bending of the legs: you can bend synchronously or discordantly, the starting position is lying on your back;
• imitation of crawling: the child lies with his stomach down, we bend and unbend his legs, over time he will begin to push off and crawl;
• massage of the buttocks and back, as well as the abdomen (you can use the “rails-rails, sleepers-ties...” technique);
• squats with hand support;
• raising straightened legs from a position lying on your back;
• lifting the body from a position lying on the back and on the stomach;
• chest massage.

Remember that at the age of 6-7 months, children learn to move independently; during this period, the muscles responsible for posture develop. Massage not only strengthens muscles, but also has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and heart.

In addition, exercise is an element of hardening the body and strengthens the baby’s immune system. Also at this age, tactile contact with the mother is very important for children, and massage great way satisfy this innate need.

Children's acupressure: how and why to perform it?

Acupressure is carried out by pressing the pads of the thumb and index finger and rotating movements on certain areas of the baby’s body, as well as rubbing and kneading them.

You should press lightly (fingers perpendicular to the area being massaged) so that the baby does not feel pain, the duration of pressure on one point should not exceed 5-7 seconds, and the entire massage should last no more than 2-3 minutes.

Doctors recommend doing this type of massage 3 times a week. It is used mainly to strengthen the child’s body and additionally stimulate the development of limbs, for colds, to relieve pain during colic and teething, and to prevent postural disorders.

However, this type of massage needs to be learned, since it is important to correctly calculate the force of pressure (too weak will promote relaxation, not tone, and too strong can cause pain). Therefore, before “testing” it on children, it is better for parents to consult a doctor so that he can show what is done and how.

On what areas of the baby's body is acupressure performed?

1. Head: temples, ears and behind them are massaged (to calm the baby and normalize blood circulation); bridge of the nose, forehead, along the nose (with a runny nose or nasal congestion).
2. Hands: brushes are rubbed (at the base thumb), wrists, inner side of the elbow.
3. Legs: feet (the pad of the first toe is massaged to relieve headaches and/or toothaches; the second - to eliminate pain in the solar plexus; the third and fourth - against pain in the tummy; the last - for pain in the pelvic area); shin, inner side of the knee and above (knead for proper development of muscles and joints).
4. Back: massage between the shoulder blades, along the spine, sometimes (only on the doctor’s recommendation) in the pelvic area (allows you to tone the back muscles responsible for straight posture).
5. Neck: knead on all sides (raise protective functions body, glandular function and blood circulation).
6. Sternum: the entire area from the collarbones to the level of the nipples is rubbed (this effect helps healthy development bronchi and lungs in general).
7. Belly: circular movements around the navel in a clockwise direction (improves digestion, relieves colic).

Drainage massage for babies: technique and features

Execution Features

To speed up the removal of mucus from the lungs during bronchitis, young children are often prescribed drainage (expectorant) massage. Its peculiarity is that it is carried out only during the period when the baby is already recovering, that is, 5-6 days after the illness and provided there is no elevated temperature bodies.

The duration for babies from six months is about 15 minutes, for older children – 20-25 minutes.

At the beginning of the disease, such a massage is usually not done, but to make it easier for the child to breathe, simply place a small pillow under the head and torso, so the body will rise by about 20 degrees and it will become easier for the child to breathe.

You also need to turn the baby over in bed as often as possible so that phlegm does not stagnate in the lungs. So, the purpose of drainage massage is to help quickly remove phlegm from the body when coughing.

Technique for children's expectorant massage

Drainage massage is carried out as follows:

1. The child is placed on his tummy, a cushion is placed under the chest (you can use a rolled towel) so that the head is lower than the body.
2. Then they begin to warm up the back: first, rubbing until a pinkish tint appears on the skin, then stroking with the tips of the fingers (simultaneously with both hands) along the ribs, from the spine to the sides.

1. With slow massaging movements, move from the lower ribs to the shoulders, do this action 20 times (you cannot go in the opposite direction, since we expel phlegm from the lungs, and not vice versa).
2. Light tapping from the bottom back up (again, make sure that it doesn’t hurt the baby).
3. Exercise “wheelbarrow”: from a lying position on his stomach, lift the baby’s legs, let him try to move, leaning on his hands alone (develops the respiratory and cardiovascular systems).

This type of massage stimulates expectoration and serves as an excellent alternative to expectorants, the use of which at a young age is often problematic or impossible. In addition, it improves the functioning of the respiratory and circulatory systems in babies.

The benefits of massage for a child’s body are difficult to overestimate, and it is equally important to carry it out correctly. This is one of the most accessible ways for parents to develop and improve the health of children.

Among other things, massage is much more pleasant than bitter mixtures and powders, and every mother and every father can learn how to do it. Therefore, treat this procedure with care and soul!

Harmonious development and good health to your kids!

All mothers know how important massage is for their babies. It strengthens the muscles and growing skeleton of a newborn, improves health, promotes the proper development of the child, triggers protective processes in the child’s body and thereby improves immunity and normalizes digestion. Also general massage for infants improves mood and establishes contact between the baby and the parents.

Massage for a baby should be carried out not only technically correctly, but also in a certain place, at a certain time, with a positive attitude and in a comfortable environment. You will learn about all this and more from our article.

The best place for procedures

First, you need to decide on the place where you will constantly massage your baby. You need to choose the warmest room in the house, because babies freeze very quickly, faster than adults. This room must be ventilated before the procedure. Place the changing table or any other convenient table away from drafts (windows and doors). Place an oilcloth, a blanket and a diaper familiar to the baby on it to make it more comfortable.

Next to the massage table you need to place an additional cabinet or high chair, on which all the necessary items will lie: another diaper, oil, diaper, powder, cream, timer, and so on.

Desirable time for massage

Pediatricians warn that restorative massage for infants should not be done immediately after feeding. Some time must pass (about 15-20 minutes) for the child to have time to release air (burp), otherwise there is a risk that he will choke during the massage.

It is worth noting that many experts believe that massage on an empty stomach will only cause harm. And if the child has eaten, then the exercises can be done an hour after feeding. Different specialists have different views on massage, so you yourself should listen and take a closer look at your child: exactly when he is comfortable with the exercises, when he is more often in a good mood and how he feels 20 minutes after feeding.

All experts agree that you should not do a tonic massage just before bed, otherwise nervous system will become overexcited, and the child will stay awake for a long time.

General principles of massage

There are two types of massage for babies: general massage for infants and therapeutic.

Principles of general massage that can be done at home:

• Newborns must be handled very carefully, all movements should be made smoothly and gently, without pressure. Move the baby’s arms and legs carefully so as not to damage the still fragile bones and weak ligaments;
• before starting the procedure, be sure to wash your hands with soap and remove all jewelry;
• movements must be made along special massage lines. Try to ensure that your hand movements coincide with the rhythm of lymph flow. Hands should always be warm so as not to cause discomfort to the baby. Do everything without strong pressure, avoiding the area of ​​the spine, liver, heart;
• if you want to stroke your belly, do it only clockwise;
• It is advisable not to massage in silence. You can, for example, sing, tell fairy tales or poems, or you can turn on classical music or children's songs.
• A full massage is given to the baby no more than once a day. Everything else can be light stroking of the back or tummy;
• Usually a course of massages is carried out infant in 10 lessons for 5-15 minutes. You cannot skip the session, especially if you have already taken the course. Moreover, if the doctor said that such procedures are indicated for the child, and the parents did not start doing them in time, then in the future this may negatively affect the baby’s health.

It is a general massage that parents can do themselves at home.

Massage for all muscle groups

The procedure can be divided into several stages: massage of the arms, legs, tummy, back, hips.

Hands. Start your massage with the simplest thing - general stroking of the child's hands. This will set the baby up for further exercise and give him the opportunity to relax. Place your index finger in your child's hand and begin stroking with your other hand from the shoulder to the hand. Repeat the movement 5 times. Now you can put the baby on your stomach and repeat the exercise.

Legs. To strengthen your leg muscles, work on your knees and feet. Take the child's foot in your hand and use the finger of your other hand to draw an infinity sign - from the heel to the toes and back. Next, stroke the legs completely, carefully avoiding the knee joint. Repeat the exercises 5 times.

Stomach. For this exercise, you can lightly lubricate your hands with oil and start by lightly stroking the sides, and then move on to clockwise circular movements. Don't use force, everything should be light and gentle. To help your navel heal better, you can draw a circle around it with a bent finger several times.

Hips. Lay the newborn on his back, take his legs in your hands, bend his knees and gently press him to his tummy. Now you need to carefully spread your legs to the side. This exercise prevents dysplasia.

Back. Exercises are necessary to strengthen your back and get better results in the future. correct posture. Place the baby on your stomach. Stroke the back, starting from the neck and smoothly moving to the buttocks. Then you need to stroke in the direction from the spine to the barrels. Lightly massage the shoulders.

The baby can also be placed in the fetal position, which he still remembers and loves. To do this, you need to hold the baby’s feet and arms with one hand, and with the other, supporting the neck, tilt the head towards the chest. Now you can rock the baby slightly. The exercise, by the way, will help calm the child if he cries or is capricious.

During the massage, you should never use force, so as not to injure the baby.

If you want to relax your baby before bedtime, set him up in a calm mood, then it is better to do light and measured stroking, not talk to the baby, do not rub him and do not turn him over often.

It is advisable to have a fitball at home. For example, in the afternoon, when you do a massage, you can complete all the exercises by rolling on a large soft ball. This strengthens the vestibular apparatus, abdominal and back muscles. To do this, you need to place the baby on the fitball with its stomach and, holding it by the legs, roll it back and forth, left and right, and in a circular motion. You can lightly tap the ball so that the child feels a slight vibration.

What kind of massage does a two-month-old baby need?

If your child already weighs 5 kg or more, then you can add rubbing, light pinching, and gentle movements with the ribs of the palms to the general massage.

You can knead your baby’s buttocks with your fists, chest knead using slight vibration; you can lightly tap the back with your fingertips. But don’t forget that the child is still very small and there is no need for effort here. All movements should be light and without pressure!

What kind of massage does a baby aged 6-12 months need?

Any massage begins with stroking, then we add rubbing and light tapping. For children at this age, you can include clapping with your palms. During the session, which can last 25-30 minutes, you can work on only one part of the body or do general massage exercises.

Massage for babies with hypertension

Procedures for infants with muscle hypertonicity are somewhat different from the simplest general massage. Hypertonicity in a child is very easy to recognize; there are several signs:

• the baby cries often;
• reacts nervously to familiar sounds;
• the child constantly spits up after feeding;
• a newborn already holds his head well from birth;
• the baby constantly clenches his legs and arms;
• Frequently arches or throws back the head, especially when crying.

To relieve hypertonicity, special exercises are used during a massage session. The “cradle” exercise is very useful. The child needs to be placed with his back on the changing table, put his hands under his head and back, lift him and rock him a little in different directions. Now you need to slightly move your hands to the child’s lower torso and also rock a little. You can also take the child by the armpits and gently rock him towards you and away from you.

For hypertension, rubbing is also used. For example, so-called piston rubbing is necessary for the arms and legs. You need to put your hand or feet between your palms and rub it in one direction or the other. Don't use force, do it lightly, without pressure.

Shaking is necessary. Place your finger in your child's hand, move it slightly to the side, and shake it very lightly while supporting the handle with your other hand.

But what you cannot do with hypertonicity is to use clapping and chopping movements; on the contrary, they will only increase tension.

Please note that if the child is 6 months or older and signs of hypertension are still observed, then you must consult a doctor and tell about all the symptoms

Hypertonicity can affect the development of a child and provoke:

• disturbance in movement coordination;
• formation of abnormal gait;
• the appearance of speech problems;
• developmental delays and other health problems.

In addition to therapeutic massage, doctors prescribe other procedures - electrophoresis, heat therapy, physical therapy, swimming and even drug treatment. But all this depends on the age of the child, his condition, and concomitant diseases. Therefore, under no circumstances prescribe any medications or procedures yourself.

The benefits of standard massage for children

A general tonic massage for newborns is not only pleasant, but also useful:

• massage helps improve metabolic processes;
• activates performance;
• helps to concentrate attention;
• relaxes the baby;
• relieves unhealthy drowsiness;
• improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• stimulates brain function.

In addition, massage promotes the proper development of the child’s musculoskeletal system, helps prevent various diseases and strengthens the baby’s connection with his parents.

When not to massage

Here is a list of some contraindications and cases when it is not recommended to massage a child:

• if the baby is less than 20 days old;
• if you observe a child with indigestion;
• Do not massage if your baby has an infection. The baby’s body will be busy fighting it;
• if a baby has a rash, prickly heat, or redness on the skin, then it is better to refrain from massage;
• when the child has a fever;
• the presence of any exacerbations or allergies;
• heart disease, circulatory disorders;
• if the child has a large hernia;
• liver or kidney dysfunction;
• the presence of a disease that makes bones brittle;
• if you notice that your son or daughter is capricious, then do not insist on a massage;
• if you yourself are irritated, feel tired, and anxious, then it is also better to postpone this event.

General massage for infants is always pleasant, useful, necessary and irreplaceable in the early stages of a child’s life. You can always do a massage at home with your own hands, giving your baby joy and care, affection and protection. The simplest and lightest strokes of mother's hands can work wonders. If you are still afraid to do a general massage yourself, then it is better to entrust the procedure to a professional. He will massage your baby with you, tell you the subtleties and rules, and teach you how to hold the baby correctly during the session.

Baby massage consists of rubbing, kneading and stroking his arms, legs, neck, back, and abdomen.

If you massage your child correctly, it can correct many health problems. Good massage:

• improves digestion and relieves colic;
• makes sleep longer and more restful;
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
• tones muscles, develops coordination of movements;
• stimulates metabolism;
• increases immunity.

How often should you massage your baby?

Pediatricians recommend giving your child massage in courses of ten procedures at three, six, nine and 12 months. The best time for massage is the first half of the day, an hour after feeding or an hour before it. Massage can be started from two to three weeks of age if the child is healthy and in a good mood. The room should have a comfortable temperature - 22–26°C.

If a mother gives a massage to a child, the baby calms down and tunes into a positive mood. How to massage three one month old baby so that he quickly begins to roll over onto his stomach, and then sit down, how to massage the legs of a 12-month-old child so that he can walk faster - we will talk about this in more detail in this article.

How to massage a newborn baby?

Newborn babies are tender and fragile, so many mothers worry about how to massage their infant without harming him. Touching the baby's body should be light and gentle. Before the massage, it is important to warm your hands, trim your nails or at least round them, and remove jewelry so as not to accidentally injure the baby’s thin skin. You can use baby cosmetic oil to glide your hands over the skin.

The rules on how to massage a one-month-old baby, as well as a child weighing up to 5 kg, are universal. Stroke your baby's legs, back, tummy and chest with light movements, returning to each part of the body three to four times. Stroke the tummy clockwise, do the “bicycle” exercise with the baby, pressing his legs to his chest. The total duration of the massage for children of this age is about five minutes.

How to massage a two-month-old baby?

If the baby already weighs 5 kg or more, the massage becomes more serious. While you massage the baby's legs or back, add rubbing to the stroking movements. After preparatory stroking, you can also try gently “sawing” movements with the edges of your palms and pinching. Knees, elbows, inner thighs and mammary glands It is better not to touch it during a massage. The total duration of the massage is about 10–15 minutes.

How to massage small children weighing more than 8 kg?

Massage for children aged 6–12 months also begins with stroking and pinching, after which new movements are added - patting with palms or fingertips. The total duration of a massage at this age can already reach 25–30 minutes.

You can massage a specific part of your baby's body or a combination different types massage in one session.

How to give a child a relaxing massage?

If the baby is capricious or tense, you can give him a stroking massage: start from the back, walk lightly along the spine, and then massage the tummy in a circular motion.

How to give a child a drainage massage?

Drainage massage helps remove mucus from the bronchi or lungs, so it is indispensable if small child coughs a lot. The technique of this massage is simple: place the child on his stomach (you can place a cushion under the chest) and pat him on the back in the direction from the middle of the back to the shoulders.

Please note that drainage massage is contraindicated for children under six months of age.

How to massage a child's back?

To carry out a strengthening back massage, you need to place the child with his stomach on a hard surface or fitball and massage his back in the direction from the spine to the sides, using stroking, and then patting and pinching movements. The massage should be completed with stroking.

How to massage a child's hands?

Take the baby's hands and shake them lightly, lift the baby's arms with rhythmic smooth movements and swing them - this will help get rid of hypertonicity. Stroke your baby's hands, bend and straighten them. Stretch each finger on the hand, “draw” with your fingers on the baby’s palms, tickle the fingertips - such a massage will not only relax the muscles, but will also indirectly stimulate the development of speech.

How to massage a child's feet and legs?

Place your baby on his back, wrap your fingers around his ankles, and gently shake his legs. Bend the child’s legs at the knees, press them to the stomach, and then spread them to the side (exercise “frog”). Such exercises are effective in preventing colic.

A stroking massage of the legs is done with light circular movements from top to bottom, while avoiding inner surface legs Pay attention to your feet: massage all your toes, bend and straighten them.

How to massage a child's belly?

To massage the baby’s abdomen, you need to place your baby on his back, place your palms on his stomach, on both sides of the navel, and begin stroking the abdomen from left to right with light movements - this massage also helps get rid of colic.

How to massage a child's head and neck?

This type of massage is not recommended for children in the first months of life, and even when the child grows up, it is better to have a head massage performed by a specialist. If you want to do this massage yourself, massage your baby's head and neck with very gentle movements, as if you were lathering them with shampoo.

There are different methods of studying techniques for giving massage to children: video lessons, observing the work of a massage therapist, viewing diagrams and drawings in brochures on the development of a baby in the first year of life. But if, after studying the issue, you still have doubts about how to massage your child’s feet or how to massage his back, and also if your baby requires a course of professional corrective massage, you need to seek help from specialists.

The body of young children is very sensitive to any external influences. That is why all massage manipulations must be carried out in a gentle manner. During their implementation, much attention is paid to the baby’s mood, his reactions, and well-being. These criteria are used to judge the effectiveness of procedures, one of which is tonic massage.

In older children, it increases activity, eliminates apathy, and guarantees a surge of vigor and energy. Toning massage for infants is effective as a correction method, effectively used when muscle hypotonicity and motor dysfunction occur.

Features and techniques of tonic massage for children

The duration of an invigorating procedure is much shorter than a relaxing or preventative one. It takes no more than 15 minutes, and the result comes almost immediately. The basis of this tonic massage is vibrating movements. Kneading, tapping, patting and other elements are also used:

1. Stroking and rubbing. This is where children's tonic massage begins. They are used to ensure that the child’s body warms up and is ready for the next stage of exposure.
2. Kneading. Perfectly increases blood flow to affected areas. Awakens vitality.
3. Patting, tapping. They help activate the processes occurring in the deep layers of tissue.
4. Vibration. The main element of the procedure. Strengthens and increases the effect of all previous manipulations.

The benefits of children's tonic massage

With the help of the above manipulations, excellent results are achieved:

A tonic massage for children cannot be carried out for a long time, otherwise the baby will get tired, and the result will be completely opposite to what was expected. It is recommended to perform it for no more than 15 minutes, preferably after general strengthening effects.

Technique for performing children's tonic massage

The invigorating procedure technique involves performing all of the above manipulations quickly and energetically, but in a certain sequence:

1. The back muscles are treated first. All techniques are used, including vibration (except for the area of ​​the kidneys and heart).
2. A toning massage of the buttocks is performed.
3. Then manipulations are performed on the legs.
4. The baby rolls over onto his back.
5. The chest area and arms are massaged.
6. Next, the front surface of the legs is processed; it is very useful to use the felting technique.

Features of performing tonic massage for infants

For newborns, the main purpose of tonic procedures is to stimulate weakened muscles. A general tonic massage for infants is best done in the morning, after waking up. It should be carried out by an experienced specialist who will activate the children’s condition with the help of stroking, rubbing, and pinching. The manipulations are deep and impulsive. The following steps must be taken:

When performing tonic manipulations for children of different ages, and especially infants, it is necessary to remember that the procedure must be carried out as carefully as possible, because infants are highly sensitive to any physical influences.

Probably all people who have a child begin to pay a lot of attention to him. In addition, many parents are concerned about the question of whether they should get a restorative massage? This question is relevant because people care about the health of their children, as well as about their happy and long life.

If you look at small child, then carrying out such manipulations with it at first glance seems wrong. He has a very small body, arms and legs. But at the same time, most pediatricians recommend massage to parents. I wonder why?

It is worth noting that massage is useful not only for children, but also for adults. At the same time, each person will be able to benefit from it. Why is this so? The answer to this and many other questions can be found in the article.

Why is it needed?

A restorative massage for a child is necessary for his full development. And this applies to both physical and mental health. Let's consider the main reasons why you should pay attention to this procedure, because massage:

• relaxes the child’s body and allows him to rest and gain strength;
• prevents toxins from remaining in the body;
• leads to better absorption of nutrients;
• normalizes the functioning of the sweat glands;
• allows children to become stress-resistant;
• makes the child healthier and stronger.

It is also worth noting that children's restorative massage helps to cope with the problem of chronic fatigue and hyperexcitability. They can often be observed in young children.

As you can see, the benefits of restorative massage are great. Therefore, parents may think about holding it.

The need for massage for adults

It is also worth thinking about whether a restorative massage is needed for adults and older children? The answer is obvious. It is simply necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, massage helps a person strengthen muscles and improve posture. Most people experience scoliosis, kyphosis and other types of spinal curvature. For some, the reason is an incorrect lifestyle and carrying a bag, while others simply have a weak muscle corset. As a result of regular massage sessions, you can cope with this problem. Of course, the degree of curvature should also be taken into account here.

In addition, it improves human immunity. This is one of the important functions. It is worth noting that if a person has back problems, then most likely he often suffers from colds. This is why massage is important.

It is also needed to improve the functioning of all body systems as a whole. With its help, you can improve the functioning of the kidneys, heart, breathing, digestive and musculoskeletal systems. As you can see, there are a lot of advantages for any age. Therefore, if a person has such an opportunity, he should definitely visit a massage therapist.

Types of massage

It is worth noting that there are various types massage. For example this:

• prophylactic;
• medicinal;
• correctional.

Let's look at them in more detail. Preventive massage strengthens the child's immunity. It can be performed on almost everyone in the absence of contraindications.

Therapeutic massage, as the name suggests, helps a child cope with certain diseases. For example, such as flat feet, scoliosis, rickets, clubfoot and many others. Both it and corrective massage should be carried out by specialists. They are the ones who know what to pay attention to and with what intensity to do it.

Can be carried out after treatment. He consolidates and corrects the results obtained. During the procedure, the doctor will be able to assess the entire situation.

Each type of massage is successfully used today. In addition, for infants, a general restorative and therapeutic type of procedure can be distinguished separately. In this case, the first one is done for infants up to 3 months. And he has his own special technique of execution.

Preparation for the procedure

A restorative massage for infants should be carried out according to all the rules. It is then that he will deliver only pleasant sensations to the baby. To begin with, you should properly prepare for it.

The surface on which the massage will be performed must be smooth and safe. In this case, you need to cover it with a soft blanket and a diaper. This is how it will be much more comfortable for the baby to lie.

It is important that there is no draft in the room. That is why you should cover all windows and vents. If this is not done, the child may get sick.

It is also worth remembering that the one who will perform the massage must have good mood. This is important to ensure that the child is comfortable.

Algorithm

A restorative massage for babies has its own algorithm. However, it is important to adhere to it in order to get a good result. It is worth noting that it will differ significantly from a massage for adults. And this moment is also worth paying special attention to.

To begin, the child needs to be undressed and placed on his back. After this, it is worth stroking with your palms. It is best to start from the feet and move gradually upward. They should be done carefully, passing over the child’s entire body.

After stroking, you need to move on to rubbing the baby’s body. In this case, the movements should be more intense. With the help of such manipulations, blood circulation can be improved.

You need to massage your hands from bottom to top. In this case, all movements must be repeated 3-5 times. Only with regular, proper massage can you achieve the desired result.

Next, you should gradually move on to massaging the baby’s body and legs. In this case, the abdominal massage should only be done clockwise. After the massage is performed on the back, the child should be shifted onto the stomach. This is also useful for its development.

When performing a massage, it is also necessary to use techniques such as vibration and kneading. They have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems in the baby’s body. Moreover, they must be done carefully and gradually increase intensity.

It is important to remember that all movements must be smooth and calm. At the same time, you can also turn on relaxing music or gently communicate with your baby. All this will help improve his mood, which means it will charge him with positivity and vigor for the whole day.

Features of the procedure

It is worth paying attention to some features that can help each person properly massage a child. Firstly, it should be done before or after meals. In this case, the interval must be at least 30 minutes. The massage itself should last at least 10 minutes.

It is important that the room in which the massage will be performed is warm. At the same time, the baby will feel comfortable and will not catch a cold. If the room is warm enough, the baby can be undressed.

It is also worth taking your child to this procedure regularly. You should not skip it to achieve the desired result. And it is best to contact an experienced specialist to carry it out.

In addition, it is important that massage is not a painful procedure for children. It is desirable that it does not cause any discomfort at all. If the child is capricious and protests, then the massage must be stopped.

Massage points and lines

It is worth noting that acupressure is safe for the baby’s health. Moreover, it is easy to implement. It also helps to cope with a large number of diseases. This is probably why it is very popular.

This massage belongs to alternative medicine and has been successfully used for a long period of time.

Execution acupressure with a general strengthening effect, it should be carried out along special massage lines and points. This method has been used since ancient times. It is especially often used in Chinese medicine. But today it has reached us.

It is worth noting that each point is responsible for some organ. Proper influence on them allows you to improve the general condition of the child, as well as improve his health.

To carry out this massage, you need to gently press with your fingertips on special points on the baby’s body. For example, to strengthen the child’s entire body, it is necessary to massage the center of the baby’s wrist. Gradually you should move towards the fingers. At the same time, the movements themselves should draw the rays of the sun.

To strengthen the child's respiratory system, he needs to gently massage his chest. Movements should be carried out in a bottom-up direction.

To improve mental development and activity, you need to run your thumbs along the eyebrow line from bottom to top.

This massage should only be done while talking and playing with the child. It is worth noting that self-massage should be carried out carefully. Here you need to familiarize yourself with all the nuances. Therefore, it is better to first contact a specialist.

Contraindications

General restorative massage has a number of contraindications. Also, it is best to consult your doctor before using it. He is the one who will be able to say for sure whether the child can undergo it or not.

The main contraindications include:

• the child has a fever;
• tuberculosis;
• skin diseases;
• some forms of heart disease;
• liver and kidney problems;
• diseases in the acute stage;
• hernias;
• hepatitis;
• bone diseases (arthritis);
• as well as blood diseases.

In other cases, massage can be performed after consultation with a doctor. Although, it is worth noting that there may be a number of other contraindications. In this matter, everything is quite individual.

Who performs the procedure?

Of course, a restorative massage is best done by a specialist. He has the necessary knowledge and experience that he can put into practice.

It is worth noting that the massage therapist should not use creams or powders for this massage. In addition, he should not have rings on his hands. After all, the most important thing is the safety and comfort of the child.

When choosing a massage therapist, you need to take into account his experience. At the same time, you can also pay attention to the cost of the procedure. It shouldn't be too high. In this case, you can agree with a specialist to carry out the procedure at home. This will be much more comfortable for both the baby and his parents.

Some parents believe that they can independently perform such a massage for their child. In fact, it is possible. But to do this, you need to carefully read the specialized literature and study the technique so as not to harm the baby.

Conclusions

A restorative massage is beneficial for people of any age. But it is especially important for a young growing organism. It is he who launches all restoration processes.

Today there are a huge number of massage therapists, so there should be no questions about choosing a specialist.

It is worth noting that massage is especially necessary for children who are often sick, have problems sleeping and often slouch. But even if all of the listed symptoms are not present, you should still at least sometimes bring your child to a massage therapist. And it is best that the procedure is carried out in combination with health-improving exercises.