5) Upper Abdomen. Greenyway recommends massaging the space between the middle of your baby’s foot and the pads of their feet to alleviate constipation, heartburn, and indigestion.
6) Lower Abdomen. The portion between the middle of your foot and your heel is linked to the lower abdomen. This spot is especially good to massage in babies who suffer from gas and bloating in the lower intestine, which are common reasons for discomfort according to The Hearty Soul.
7) Pelvis. Lastly, the heel of the foot is connected to the pelvis, the hips and tummy. David Wolfe explains that babies grow rapidly and so pain and tightness in the hips is common, as are posture issues. Rubbing the heel can also help with sore tummies and constipation.
It isn’t always easy to find a time when your baby is lying still and relaxed, but Natural Transition has a few great suggestions: try massaging while your baby is asleep or feeding, or while in another relaxing position such as a rocker or a sling, or even during bath time. If you’d like to try reflexology with an older baby, you can play games like “this little piggy went to market” and incorporate the massage into that.
If you have any concerns for your baby’s health it’s important that you visit a doctor, but reflexology can be a safe and effective complimentary therapy, and a lovely way for you to connect with your baby.
RESOURCES NATURAL TRANSITION, NOURISH, DAILY HEALTH POST, GREENY WAY, MAMAS MAKE MILK, DAVID WOLFE, AND THE HEARTY SOUL
