Let the babies in on the act

RELAXING is not just for grown ups. Studies have shown that if you massage your baby before six months, its health improves as well as its brain.

Irene Herodotou, a certified instructor of infant massage, stressed that a parent can gain from infant massage too. “Among many things, by massaging your baby, it is guaranteed that his or her sleeping habits will improve,” Irene said. And of course, what do you gain from this? The same thing!

Infant massage is an ancient tradition that is practiced in many parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. Irene explained that scientific studies have shown that children growing up in these specific parts of the world, where infant massaging is part of the tradition, are happier and more relaxed as they grow up. However, the benefits of massaging your baby are many, including relief of the symptoms of gas and colic, it helps parents to understand and respond to the baby’s non-verbal cues and teaches babies to be aware of their body’s tensions and how to release them.

Above all though seems to be the bonding that takes place between parent and infant.

“The quality of closeness brings about benefits that are life long,” said Irene, “it’s about bonding, smiling and other facial expressions that are crucial for the baby as it grows.” Touch sends a message of love and nurturing, something that is very important to a human being, even at the age of three weeks old.

And that’s the time a parent can begin massaging their child. It can continue until around six months, when they start crawling all over the place and there’s no way you can hold them down for a massage. Irene said the art of infant massage involves Swedish strokes, reflexology and yoga, along with Indian massage strokes. After a course, which lasts about five sessions, parents learn how to interact with their baby and how to practice the art of massaging at home.

l Irene Herodotou. 18 Psaron Street. Tel: 22 590951

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