Baby Reflexology – the key for calming baby

by Helen Charlton from Baby Reflex

Tiny baby foot

Most people have heard of reflexology but not everyone knows what it is and the benefits it can bring.

Reflexology is a relaxing foot massage and works by stimulating the nerve endings on the foot which correspond to organs and zones of the body. In this way reflexology treats the entire body and tones the system. In adults specific conditions such as arthritis, migraines and insomnia are treated and reflexology is also useful for relaxation and stress.

‘Babyreflex’ was developed by Jenny Lee, a physiotherapist and reflexologist who worked with mothers in the Balkans, many of whom rejected their babies after the trauma of war. She found that reflexology techniques helped in the bonding between mother and child as well as improving the health of babies.

Jenny began her reflexology work with children researching childhood asthma in partnership with the Oxfordshire NHS Trust in 1994. It was found that reflexology techniques improved sleep and there were fewer bouts of asthma as well as a reduction in the incidence of hay fever in 90% of cases. It was also found that the younger the child the more effective the techniques. Jenny worked from 1994 to 1997 with 47 children.

After her initial research Jenny began teaching other reflexologists her techniques for ‘calming baby’ and developed her ‘babyreflex’ work further. Baby reflexology differs from reflexology for adults, in that there are only 6 areas of the foot which are worked to achieve relief from teething pain, colic, insect stings and to sooth baby and boost the immune system. Babies are not treated by the reflexologist, but parents are taught the techniques to use with their own children. Babyreflex is easy to learn and babies love it!

Reflexology for babies compliments baby massage, but is very different in that rather than setting time aside at home for a massage session, babyreflex can be done any time anywhere, in the car, on a picnic, or waiting for big sister outside the school gates, as it only involves removing a bootee and can be done in minutes while Mum or Dad cradles baby.

If you have ever been standing in the supermarket queue with a screaming toddler or have had sleepless nights when the little one just will not settle, then this is the answer!

‘Babyreflex’ is taught to parent groups or individuals as well as health visitors and nursery staff. It is suitable for babies from 2 weeks to 2 years old.

Top tips for soothing baby

Try these at home to help sooth your baby:

on the plantar side of the foot (underneath), gently stroke down the neck of the big toe with the knuckle or forefinger
on the plantar side of the foot (underneath), hold the ball of the big toe and press firmly but gently
Gently stroke down the side of the foot with knuckle or forefinger, from big toe to the heel

Do this on both feet for just a minute or so.

You can repeat this three times a day, but remember that a few minutes of reflexology a day is all that is needed for baby.