Reflexology is an ideal method for soothing babies because it's likely the safest and most natural form of treatment out there. Babies will frequently react to physical pain by crying because they are unable to express to you what is bothering them. Reflexology offers a useful method for figuring out what your baby is going through as well as how to address it.
Reflexology Foot Guide for Babies
Babies are said to be much more responsive to reflexology than full-grown adults. This is mainly because they are more receptive to physical touch in general. When a baby or child is in distress, it is our natural response to comfort them physically by holding them, rubbing their back etc. This makes reflexology the perfect treatment for them.
Reflexology is the application of pressure to certain points on the body, mainly focused on the feet. This is said to help treat a variety of health problems associated with their corresponding body parts. The above guide shows these body parts, and which area of the baby’s feet that affect them.
Head/Teeth
To treat problems involving the head and teeth, the tips of the toes are the parts of the foot that need to be rubbed. This is great for treating many health issues that occur above the neck, such as ear infections. It is especially helpful when the baby is teething, as performing reflexology on the tips of the toes can help to reduce the pain caused by this.
Sinuses
The area on the foot associated with sinuses is in the center of the “Head/Teeth” area, similar to the placement of the sinuses in our heads, which is right in the center. Applying pressure to the center of a child’s toes can help reduce the severity of a variety of sinus problems ranging from a runny nose to the common cold and other respiratory problems. Although this is by no means a cure for any illness, it is said to reduce their symptoms and make them more bearable.
Chest
The chest area on the feet is the top of the foot that touches the ground, above the arch. Performing reflexology on this area provides similar effects to the sinus area, in that it relieves congestion. However, this area relieves congestion in the chest rather than the sinuses, making it effective for treating chronic coughs or colds that cause phlegm build ups. In fact, several studies have found reflexology to be very effective at reducing all forms of congestion.
Solar Plexus
The solar plexus is a complex collection of nerves located between the stomach and the lungs. It is hard to narrow down the cause of solar plexus pain due to its location and variety of nerve endings, however it can be treated by performing reflexology near the upper area of the arch of the foot. This is the area right before the arch ends and the foot meets the ground.
Upper & Lower Abdomen
The area of the foot that corresponds with the abdomen is the entire arch of the foot. The upper abdomen correlates with the upper half of the arch. Performing reflexology on this area of the baby’s foot can help with digestive issues such as bowel obstruction and heartburn.
The lower abdomen correlates with the lower half of the arch. Performing reflexology on this area can help with post-digestive issues such as constipation and bloating, which may be factors behind your baby’s discomfort.
Pelvis
The heels of a baby’s foot corresponds with their pelvic area. Issues that commonly effect the pelvic area of a baby include muscle tightness and postural problems. This can be treated by applying pressure to the heel area of the foot.
In conclusion, remember that reflexology is only effective at
reducing pain caused by certain conditions and other specific symptoms
such as congestion. It is by no means a “cure-all” for certain diseases
and should not replace proper medical attention that your baby would
require if suffering from a serious condition. It is simply meant to
increase their comfort, as well as yours, during periods of pain and
stress.