What is infant/ baby massage?
Infant (baby) massage is a very traditional parenting practice around the world. In western society, however, it is virtually unknown! In fact, many parents worry that massaging their babies might hurt them. Not only is massaging your baby not harmful, it can actually be a great bonding experience for you, and can help your baby live and grow more comfortably.
Infant massage has great benefits for your baby, in addition to the obvious bonding with you, the parent. These other benefits include:
- relieving discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation
- improving circulation
- aiding in digestion
- enhancing neurological development
- increasing alertness
- improving immune function
- helping your baby sleep
At Yellow Gazebo infant massage can be done by a registered massage therapist or an osteopath, while you are also being taught the techniques.
What is registered massage therapy?
Registered massage therapy, a regulated health profession in Ontario, is generally taught in the method of Swedish massage. Swedish massage technique involves long, smooth strokes, kneading, and other movements intent on causing relaxation of the muscles. This is accomplished by improving circulation to the muscles via the massage, thereby improving oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues. While registered massage therapy helps treat injuries, illness and stress, it is also excellent for helping prevent illness and conditions before they develop.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy was founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, a physician and surgeon who lived in the United States in the late 1800's. Osteopathy can help you return to a degree of independence in your activities without using invasive methods such as surgery or drugs. Using osteopathic techniques such as joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques and assisted stretching, the range of motion in your joints can greatly increase. With this increase, you will likely experience restored functional ability and have less or no pain faster and more effectively. Osteopathy is hands-on therapy for a wide range of painful disorders and dysfunction or restriction with movements in your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Contact us for a FREE consultation on how infant massage can help your baby.
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