Touch therapy is a form of infant massage that helps in the formation of a baby's physical development, especially in strengthening bones, improving muscle tone, and motor skills. Scientific studies show that touch therapy also helps the baby's emotional and social development.
Touch therapy is a wonderful bonding tool. It promotes bonding between you and your baby, in a way unmatched by any other type of interaction. It can be done at any time of the day. But massaging your baby in the morning can help both of you and your baby get ready for a great day of adventure. Touch therapy is effective in the evening to help your baby relax and make her sleep better.
Here are the eight techniques of touch therapy and the ways on how to do it:
1. "Smile" technique. Smile is a facial massage technique that helps relieve your baby's tension from sucking, teething, crying, and generally interacting with the world around him.
How to do it: a. With your thumbs, make a smile first on your baby's upper lip, then the lower lip. b. Gently press your fingers flat across her forehead and, with circular strokes, continue over her temples, the hinges of her jaw, behind her ears and the rest of her scalp.
2. Butterfly technique. It helps tone your baby's lungs and heart, making your baby stronger.
How to do it: a. Both your hands should be at your baby's sides, at the bottom of her rib cage. b. Place your right hand over your baby's left shoulder and move down diagonally across her chest. c. Now do the same with your left hand over your baby's right shoulder.
3. Back & forth technique. It helps develop your baby's back muscles that will eventually be supporting her spine.
How to do it: a. Start with both your hands together at the top of her back, at the right angle to the spine. b. Move your hands back and forth, in opposite directions, going down her back to the buttocks, then up her shoulders and back down once again.
4. Sun moon technique. It helps tone your baby's internal system and relieves her from constipation.
How to do it: a. Make an upside-down half-moon with your right hand going from your left to the right. b. Make a full circle moving clockwise with your left hand. While your left hand is above, your right hand is below and follows the clockwise circular movement of your left hand.
5. Milking technique. It helps strengthen your baby's limb muscles and bones.
How to do it: a. Stroke one leg or arm of your baby as if you were milking a cow. b. "Milk" her leg or arm with both your hands, one following the other. c. Touch her hand and foot using thumb over thumb motion covering her entire hand or sole. d. Squeeze each finger or toe and finish with a soothing pull.
6. I love you technique. Let you tell your baby "I love you" in loving tones while spelling out "I-L-U" on her skin with your hand.
How to do it: a. The letter "I" Make a single I-shaped stroke with your right hand on baby's left belly (your right). b. The letter "L" Make an upside-down L shaped going from your left to your right. c. The letter "U" Make an upside-down U, going from your left to right. As you go through this series of motion, say "I love you" in a warm, cooing voice.
7. Rolling technique. It helps make your baby's arm and leg muscles stronger.
How to do it: a. Roll your baby's arm and leg between your hand from elbow or knee to the wrist or ankle.
8. Squeeze & twist technique. It helps your baby become more flexible and limber.
How to do it: a. With both your hands wrapped around your baby's arm or leg, squeeze. b. Twist gently with a wringing motion from her shoulder or hip to the hand or foot.
Clinical studies have shown that touch therapy provides a multitude of benefits for your baby. Here are some of its advantages:
1. Your touch helps strengthen your baby's limbs and improves coordination, motor skills, and muscle tone.
2. Your touch helps your baby develop a stronger immune system which helps her fight against diseases.
3. Your touch facilitates faster growth and helps your baby gain weight in the early stages of her life.
4. Your touch makes it easier for your baby to relax. Relaxation is important for your baby as infant-stress slows down your baby's mental and physical development, and lowers her immune system.
5. Touch is the most intimate and loving way for you to bond with your baby. By massaging your baby, you can help her become more affectionate, confident, and well-adjusted as she grows up.
