Health Benefits of Massaging Your Baby
Everyone enjoys the feeling of relaxation and good health that comes from being massaged, and it’s no different for infants. Baby massage is an ancient set of techniques that has been used in many parts of the world to promote infant health and wellbeing, and it is rapidly catching on in popularity in parenting circles across the globe.
The benefits that your baby receives from being massaged are quite varied and range from immediate physical benefits to long-term emotional benefits. If you are considering taking an infant massage training course, then the following are just some of the great reasons why you should follow through.
Improves sleep
All new parents will be delighted to know that baby massage can help improve their baby’s sleep by regulating their sleeping patterns. When a baby is massaged, the central nervous system is stimulated and causes the release of the hormone serotonin, which has been found to regulate anger, aggression, temperature, mood, appetite and a host of other bodily functions that effect quality of sleep.
Baby massage also helps to regulate the secretion rhythms of the hormone melatonin, which, when it’s secreted, is associated with bringing on sleep. In essence, a regular melatonin secretion rhythm means your baby’s ‘body clock’ will run on time.
Enhances emotions and improves mood
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and a hormone that, when released, promotes feelings of euphoria. Massage acts to increase dopamine levels in babies, which helps to prevent the feelings of anxiety and sadness that come when there is a deficiency.
Strengthens the immune system
Babies who receive massages regularly are proven to have stronger immune systems and are less likely to get sick. Massage is one of many activities that increases the number and function of natural killer cells in addition to the neutrophil count (white blood cells that are important for immune system function). Additionally, massage acts to reduce the levels of stress hormones in your baby’s body, which will in turn enhance the immune system as well.
Enhances the recovery of low birth-weight infants
Research has found solid evidence that baby massage actually helps low birth-weight infants gain weight more quickly, which reduces the risk of health issues early on. During massage, the vagus nerve in the brain becomes stimulated and gut motility is enhanced, which both promote weight gain by making babies hungrier more often. Not only that, but massage also reduces pain in premature babies and decreases their stress levels.
Promotes learning
Any time a baby feels a new sensation, such as stroking of the skin during massage, their body develops stronger pathways in the brain that are involved in processing new information. New sensations cause the release of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which actually promotes the growth of millions of new connecting links between neurons in the brain. The end result of this process is that the baby’s brain is able to process information more quickly, and convert new and potentially stressful situations into those that are recognised as being predictable and safe. In general, this makes babies easier to soothe.
There are plenty of emotional and physical health benefits that babies receive from being massaged, and performing massage daily can greatly enhance your baby’s overall wellbeing.