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Benefits of baby massage: Massage has been considered very important in the care of a newborn baby for centuries. From grandmother’s remedies to modern medical science, everyone considers massage of children as a ‘boon’ for their physical and mental growth. According to Dr. Ashish Mittal, senior pediatrician of Agra, massage done properly not only strengthens the soft bones of the baby, but also improves his digestive system and provides relief from problems like gas and irritability.
Massage is considered to have special importance in the care of small children. Even today in every village, a newborn baby is massaged three-four times a day. Experts also advise parents to massage their children. According to doctors, massage done correctly strengthens the growth of children and helps in their physical development. Massage relieves many stomach related problems of children and strengthens their delicate bones. This is the reason why even today grandmothers in villages consider massage of children very important.
Agra Senior doctor Ashish Mittal believes that massage is very beneficial for the physical strength of children. According to doctors, massage gradually strengthens the muscles and bones of children. The bones of newborn children are very delicate, hence massage done with light hands strengthens them. Doctors say that massage also provides relief from stomach related problems of children like gas, flatulence and indigestion. Regular massage improves the digestion of children, which keeps them healthy. Additionally, babies get deep and relaxing sleep after a good massage. By getting enough sleep, children remain happy, play and avoid irritability. The effect of massage is not limited to childhood only, but children also get benefits from it later on. Proper massage done in childhood helps in keeping children physically strong throughout their life.
Massage children in the right way and with the right oil.
Dr. Ashish Mittal tells that children should always be massaged with light hands. One should not apply force while massaging, because the skin and bones of children are soft. According to the doctor, good and pure oil should be used for massage. Almond oil, egg oil or olive oil are considered suitable for massaging children. Massage done with these oils gives relief to children and also nourishes their skin. Even today, women in villages massage children in the mild morning sunlight. Doctors believe that massage done in sunlight is even more beneficial for children.
During massage the child feels good and feels safe. This also strengthens the emotional bond between child and mother. Doctors say that the child starts recognizing even the scent of the person doing the massage and remains connected to him in the future also.
Do not massage if you have rashes or skin problems on your body.
Dr. Ashish Mittal explains that in some circumstances children should not be massaged. If rashes are appearing on the child’s body or any kind of skin related problem is visible, then massage should be avoided. In such a situation, it is necessary to immediately consult the nearest pediatrician. The doctor says that small children are not able to express their problems in words. In such a situation, they may experience more pain or discomfort, due to which they become irritable and cry continuously. Therefore, there should not be any kind of carelessness in the matter of children. Children’s massage should always be done as per the doctor’s advice. Massage done at the right time, right way and with right care helps in protecting children from many diseases and leads them towards a healthy life.
About the Author
In a career spanning over 18 years, Lakshmi Narayan has served in prestigious organizations like DD News, Outlook, Nai Duniya, Dainik Jagran, Hindustan. Various issues of contemporary topics, politics,…read more
