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Relief of discomfort
Massage releases both oxytocin and endorphins and therefore can assist in relieving discomfort from teething, congestion, colic and emotional stress.

Teething
While infant massage cannot relieve all discomfort associated with teething it can be successfully used in conjunction with the parent’s choice of care during this time. In addition to providing the infant with reassurance and comfort, the endorphins and oxytocins released during massage assist with pain relief and mood enhancement.

Congestion

Chest congestion
The Swedish massage technique for ‘breaking up’ the congestion of mucous in the chest involves a form of tapotement. This technique, when learnt and practised properly, can help ‘break up’ the mucous in the lungs making it easier for infants to eliminate any excess mucous.

Sinus congestion
Massaging the sinuses on the face helps clear any excess mucous.

Colic
IMIS defines colic as painful gas causing a distended, firm abdomen, which takes an infant a long period of time to eliminate without assistance. Repeating a small series of strokes on the abdomen has been used to relieve colic. In addition to this the stroking helps the infant to relax so that tension does not escalate their discomfort.
We believe that a daily massage (incorporating correct massage of the abdomen) can help in preventing colic. By applying gentle pressure to the abdomen while stroking using a specific sequence, small amounts of gas trapped between other substances can be moved through the colon, assisting in elimination. If these small amounts are consistently being eliminated a build up of gas can be prevented.

Emotional Stress
Infants sometimes use their massage time to weep and though IMIS does not recommend that stroking continue through this crying we do believe this emotional release can be positive. Studies have shown that withholding emotions can lead to health problems; it is for this reason that qualified instructors encourage parents to view an emotional release during massage as an opportunity to truly listen to their child and allow them to release any build up tension.