Neonatal age comes with many challenges as there are many factors that can hamper their growth and body development. Therefore, body massage for a growing baby is beneficial to strengthen their bones and muscles, suggests Dr. Rajyalakshmi Madhavam, MD Ayurveda, Professor at AMD Ayurvedic Medical College, Hyderabad. “We practice Abhyanga or massage for the baby, generally one week after birth. The massage should be done very carefully and with very gentle pressure” she says. However, it is always recommended that you consult your doctor once before practicing anything on the baby because they are very delicate at this age.
Benefits
- Relieves fatigue
- Improves blood circulation
- It improves the digestive power, which is usually weak during the monsoon season, and appetite in the babies.
- Enhances the skin texture of the baby
- Nourishes the hair
- Bones, joints, and muscles are strengthened
- Improves immunity and prevents certain skin infections.
Step-By-Step
Dr. Rajyalakshmi explains the order that one must follow while massaging the baby, i.e. which body part, to begin with.
- Head
- Feet
- Arms and legs
- Abdomen and chest
- Back
“There are not just physical benefits, but massaging also creates emotional bonding between the mother and the child. Therefore, regular Abhyanga, especially from October to January, should be followed 7 days a week.”
What to remember?
- Special care should be taken while massaging the abdomen and chest area since all the vital organs lie in that area
- The massage can be done for 10-15 mins every day.
- Make sure that you haven't just fed the baby right before the massage. Do it on an empty stomach or wait for at least an hour after feeding.
- If the baby is suffering from health issues like cough, cold, diarrhoea, etc. stop abhyanga for some time.
- Use lukewarm oil for the massage
- Leave the oil on the body for an hour and then bathe the baby with lukewarm water.
What oil to use?
Here are some of the oils suggested by Dr. Rajyalakshmi for carrying out abhyanga in babies.
- Sesame oil
- Coconut oil
Some Ayurvedic oils that can be used are:
- Bala Taila
- Bala Ashwagandha Taila
- Chandan Bala Taila
- Lakshadi Taila
- Manjistadi Taila
However, you can always consult an Ayurvedic doctor to know which oil will be the best for your baby.
Therefore, oil massages are very beneficial and not just for babies, but adults too can follow it daily before bathing. As per Ayurveda, it is included in the ‘Dinacharya’ or the daily routine. At least a 5-10 mins massage improves microcirculation.
