Infant Massage
Whether you are massaging a newborn or teaching parents infant massage, the
process lasts for as little as a few minutes or as long as a half hour but should be
performed only when a baby is willing. If a baby is crying, hiccupping, turning his
head to the side, the massage should be discontinued and tried another time. The oil
for infant massage should be a light-textured, unscented oil such as almond,
coconut, or safflower oil. Infants should not be massaged with synthetic, petroleum-
based products because they have no nutritional value and are not absorbed into
the skin. The following are some gentle massage strokes for infants:
■ Foot: press all over the bottom of the foot using the thumbs
■ Leg: hold the leg like a baseball bat and move the hands up the leg squeez-
ing slightly and turning in opposite directions
■ Stomach: make scooping strokes, one hand following the other
■ Chest: begin with both hands at the center and gently push out to the sides
along the rib cage
■ Back: with fingers spread apart, “comb” the back from the neck to the but-
tocks
■ Hand: roll each finger between one’s finger and thumb; press gently all over
the palm, using the thumbs
■ Face: make small circles around the jaw using the fingertips
CHAPTER 11 MASSAGE 153
The Absolute Minimum
■ Massage therapy combines the benefits of muscle manipulation, fascia relax-
ation, and another human’s touch.
■ Different types of massage may different degrees of pressure, areas of concen-
tration, and body positions, but all strive to provide relaxation and improved
conditioning of body tissues and fluids.
■ While informal massage can provide both relaxation and a social outlet,
genuine health benefits can be obtained by employing a positive intent and
some knowledge of the underlying anatomy.
