 Basics
for infants and children massage is skin
absorbs nutrition from oil (olive and vegetable
oil) which is used for massage.
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Rhythm, love, gentle caring are an important
aspect in delivering massage.
 Massage
useful.
to the PREMATURE INFANTS found very
Researches have shown that massage of the
premature infants causes sensorimotor stimulation.
Techniques of massage in infants
1. Touch
Superficial stroking are given – stroking is
directed from center to entire body so that it covers
all part of the body
2. Movement
Massage techniques stimulates nerve pathways and cause
the following to occur:
1.
An increase in myelination, dendritic processes, and
Nissl substances in the brain cells resulting in a
speeding up of neurologic growth.
2.
A higher output of the growth hormone somotrophin,
causing faster weight gain.
3.
An increase in the output of the hypothalamus, which
serves as a general arousal center, leading to increased
cellular activity and endocrine functioning
• Improves general well-being
• Improves overall functioning of the
gastrointestinal tract
• Promotes relaxation and helps babies selfregulate calm, which reduces crying
• Helps to normalize muscle tone
• Improves circulation
. Enhances immune system function
• Improves midline orientation
• Helps to improve sensory and body awareness
• Enhances neurological development
• Helps baby/child to sleep deeper and more
soundly
• Helps to increase oxygen and nutrient flow
to cells.
. Improves respiration

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It is through our hands that we speak to the
child. Touching is the primary language.
Touch is language of skin to skin-the skin
from which emerges all sensory organs.
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1. Delayed milestones
2. Down syndrome
3. Infants with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV)
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
5. Cerebral palsy
6. Preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit (NICU)
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Legs & Feet
Tummy & Chest
Arms & Hands
Back
Head & Face