Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but involves gentle pressure applied to points on the body with a practitioners hands rather than the insertion of needles. It is a form of alternative medicine that may be beneficial for treating several conditions that affect infants. Always talk with your child's pediatrician before using acupressure.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for a variety of purposes for thousands of years. The practice of acupressure is similar to massage therapy in that it is used to calm and heal. The theory behind acupressure is that it improves circulation and improves life force. Life force, or qi, refers to the balance and harmony of your overall health. An imbalance is thought to play a role in the development of diseases. Performing acupressure on your infant may be an effective part of treatment for several health concerns that appear in infancy.
Performing Acupressure
Acupressure is performed by applying pressure to different parts of your infant's body, often in a specific order, with your fingers. The pressure points vary depending on what you are using acupressure to treat. Taking a class is a good way to ensure that you are performing acupressure correctly. Acupressure can be used on your infant clothed or unclothed, and a bed or changing table is a good place to perform it. Use caution to prevent a fall.
Benefits
The main benefit of acupressure is that it relaxes your infant and reduces stress, which can alleviate symptoms of a variety of conditions. Acupressure has been shown to increase weight gain in premature infants when compared to babies who did not undergo it, according to a study reported in the "Journal of Clinical Nursing" in 2008. Applying acupressure may be an effective part of treating colic, digestive troubles, allergies, autoimmune disorders and respiratory conditions. Mothers who performed acupressure on their infants may also experience a higher level of bonding.
Considerations
Sometimes, acupressure is applied with the use of essential oils to increase the feelings of calmness and relaxation. However, an infant's skin is sensitive, and using scented oils may cause skin irritation, so use them with caution. If a rash appears, discontinue their use and talk with your baby's pediatrician about appropriate treatment. Pressure applied to some areas of the body may result in pain or injury. Be careful if you are using acupressure points in your baby's groin, stomach, armpits or throat, advises "Massage Today," a publication devoted to all aspects of massage. Avoid applying acupressure on skin wounds, scars and burns, because it can cause discomfort and may prevent effective healing.
References
- The Foundation for Infant Massage and Family Bonding: Welcom
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Massage for Common Infant and Pediatric Disorders
- Massage Today: All About Massage Therapy
- American Massage Therapy Association: Chinese Tuina Acupressure for Babies
- Journal of Clinical Nursing: Acupressure and Meridian Massage: Combined Effect on Increasing Body Weight in Premature Infants
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine
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