Are you looking for a natural aid to help your child? Baby reflexology could be the answer. It is a beautiful treatment that the whole family can enjoy.
Benefits include:
• reduced asthma
• relaxation
• improved sleep
• child/parent bonding • improved digestion
Reflexology is particularly powerful when applied to babies as they are extremely receptive to it and results are often seen immediately. It’s is believed that different points on the body are mapped out on the feet. Eg the brain and head are located on the toes, the lungs and chest on the balls of the feet. Gentle pressure is applied to reflex points on the feet, stimulating nerve endings to encourage the bodies own healing system. It also stimulates the movement of life force energy or Qi and can help release blockages.
Although not scientifically proven I believe that science is catching up and hopefully one day will help explain it all for us. Most ancient cultures believe in life force, from Qi to Prana. At the beginning of our workshop I will show you some simple techniques that I have learnt through yoga and other practices so you can feel and become familiar with this energy yourself.
This simple ancient technique was introduced to the United States by William H. Fitzgerald and later developed further by Eunice Ingham. In more recent times Baby Reflex was developed by Jenny Lee, a chartered physiotherapist and qualified reflexologist. Jenny Lee carried out several pilot research studies in conjunction with Oxford Brooks University, to track the effects Reflexology had on children suffering with Asthma. She did this with the approval and support of the children’s GP’s and schools. Following 15 years’ of extensive research into the effects of regular Reflexology on Childhood Asthma, the main findings recorded were; reduced asthma, relaxation, improved sleep and child/parent bonding.
After many requests from parents wanting to learn how to use these techniques on their own children, Jenny established Baby Reflex in 2005.Jenny created a course that would enable qualified Reflexologists to teach parents, grandparents and guardians how to use these techniques on their own child/children, encouraging it to become part of their daily routine. Jenny fundamentally understood the importance of touch on infants and designed safe, easy and accessible techniques for all.
This is the 3 week workshop that I will be offering at MAMA every Wednesday from February 27th at 9:30 – 10:30 am.
Over my years as a reflexology practitioner I have personally seen the effects reflexology can have, especially in babies. I once treated my friends child whilst baby-sitting, the poor little guy had childhood asthma. He had a green infected nose and was finding it difficult to breath. After just a five minute treatment he stood up and said “better”. The next day whilst speaking with his mum, I remembered to tell her I had given him a treatment. (Not normal practice but we were great friends) Her response was “now it makes sense, I had to keep checking on him last night. Normally, he wheezes during the night but last night he slept so quietly I thought something was wrong. He slept the whole night through. It was the best nights sleep he’s had in a long while. ”.
My own nephew had also been suffering from constipation, during a visit his mum requested a treatment. The next day she called to say that 4 poops later and he was back to smiling. I have plenty more stories I can tell about my experiences with reflexology from sore shoulders to headaches etc. One of my favourite memories of home, Ireland, is visiting friends or family and soon their children would come beside me take off their shoes and say ‘feet’ or ‘reflexmonoly’, so cute.
It is my personal belief that dis-ease is one of the factors that can lead to ill health. Birth and the beginning of life can be very unsettling for a baby. Our own energy as parents is also being tested with a new demanding role. It is my intention to help create a moment in the day where you can both connect energetically, as well as enjoying the natural endorphins that massage like movements can have., a time to switch off and enjoy each other’s company, just be and recharge.
Encouraging this natural bond is an excellent tool to give your child for when they are older. The body and brain remembers this nurturing touch and feelings of relaxation. When your child is older and grown up reflexology can offer a space where the body feels nurtured again and can be a tool for life to help manage stress.
Baby reflexology courses are held over 3 weeks teaching a range of simple techniques including feeding and digestion, sleep and relaxation and general well being. It is wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, grandparents and guardians and of course, babies too. I encourage Dads to give it a go too, it can be very empowering to have a tool to offer to help sooth and nurture.
I hope to see you at the workshop, I promise that you will be using these skills on yourself and not just your child. Take care ❤
To confirm your attendance to our upcoming Baby Reflexology workshop held at MAMA Hampton with reflexologist Laura Grace from February 27th, you can book online here
