Massage therapists are becoming involved with teaching infant massage to parents. The benefits of this massage are:
• Improves immune function
• Relieves discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation
• Improves blood circulation
• Aids in digestion
• Relieves discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation
• Enhanced development of the nervous system
• Stimulates neurological development
• Reduces stress hormones
Research shows that infant massage offers several benefits, including the following areas: it helps relieve discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation; improves blood circulation; aids in digestion; enhances development of the nervous system; stimulates neurological development; increases alertness, heightens awareness; reduces stress hormones; improves immune function; releases oxytocin, the nurturing hormone; relaxes and soothes; deepens bonding; improves communication; contributes to development; helps baby sleep better.
(Source: World Institute for Nurturing Communication, www.iaim.ws/home.html)
