Care of the Newborn Baby and Infant Massage

Baby Massage

Monthly infant massage courses for parents/ carers starting in June 2013 (conducted in 2 or 4 sessions).

Private classes and introductory sessions are also available.

This course will cover:

1. Appropriate oils to use on infants

1. Benefits of infant massage

1. Methodology of strokes for legs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, face, arms and back.         Indian massage and swedish massage

1. Discussion on colic, wind and constipation and how to help your baby through massage

1. Lymphatic exercises

1. Touch relaxation

1. Infant body language

1. Massage for older children

For any enquiries please email: info@lakshmiayurveda.com.au or call ph:0406810547

Karin - BSc Hons Ayurveda, Internationally Accredited Infant Massage Instructor

Ayurvedic Baby Massage

According to Susruta t Samhita, Bala Thailam is best for baby massage.

It is advisable to consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner to discuss the most suitable oil for your baby!

Benefits of Ayurvedic oil massage for a newborn baby:

Baby massage has great benefits for your child. Some of them are listed below:

1. Oil massage increases the blood circulation and strengthens muscles and bones.

1. Relaxation of skeletal muscle

1. It increases blood and lymphatic circulation

1. Enhances functions of nerves or nervous system of baby.

1. Increases alertness and activeness in the baby. With regular massage, baby will become alert, active and calm. It reduces anxiety and improves alertness

1. It removes toxins for the body and keep newborn baby healthy. Strengthening of the immune system

1. Improves pulmonary function (very useful for children suffering from asthma)

1. It increases weight gain in low birth weight infants, wonderful for pre term babies.

1. Colour and texture of skin is improved and it increases glow of skin. Also reduces symptoms of exzema.

1. Ayurvedic oil massage nourishes the skin of a baby and makes muscles, joints, tendons resistant to stress, injuries or wear and tear.

1. As per ayurveda, it pacifies vata dosha

1. It aids a baby to get deeper and sound sleep which is required for proper growth of a newborn baby.

1. Enhances body awareness

1. Reduces crying

1. Bonding, parent relaxation

1. Reduction in wind, colic, constipation and refulx

Ayurveda has described it in detail how to care for a newborn baby:

Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita are ayurvedic ancient texts in which detailed description of newborn care is given.

1. Charaka Samhita recommends small amount gold ash (swarna bhasma) with unequal quantity of honey and clarified butter/ ghee given to newborn child after birth to increase immunity and fight off various diseases.

1. Charaka Samhita recommends exculsively breast milk. If breast milk supply is not sufficient for baby’s need, then the new mother should take white cumin with jaggery. To increase the breast milk the mother can also take herbs and foods that are sweet in taste and strengthening in nature such as cow’s milk, butter or ghee, yasthimadhuka, shatavari, cumin etc.

1. To increase intelligence of the child, Vagabhata recommends the use of a mixture of Brahmi, Shankhapushpi and Vacha with unequal amount of honey and ghee.

1. An oil dipped cotton swab should be kept in the ears for a short while.

1. According to Vagabhata,when the child sleeps, his head should be facing east.

1. The room of the child should be clean and well ventilated (no draft).

1. The clothing of the child should be soft and free from irritating fibres and fumigated with guggulu dhuma