I have a wealth of experience in helping mothers through all aspects of pregnancy, and see firsthand how an holistic reflexology approach makes a difference to how a mum experiences pregnancy, and is able to prepare for birth.
However, the benefits of reflexology don’t stop after birth! I often have new mums bring baby along for newborn specific issues, and I notice a sense of relief in mum when baby responds to reflex techniques.
Reflexology for Newborns & Babies
With newborns, the methods are gentle, slow and supportive. I demonstrate how working their little feet (or hands) in general terms is short, with light pressure and done more frequently. Reflex techniques can be done anywhere at any time - even while feeding or sleeping. Parents can learn these techniques so they have a useful, simple and effective tool at their fingertips. This makes for less stressed children and parents.
Reflexology for Toddlers & Young Children
When it comes to toddlers and young children, reflex techniques tend to help them relax, and can reduce the intensity of pain or sickness symptoms while waiting for medical advice. Reflexology is not a ‘magic’ fix for everything, but the intent is to reduce immediate stress. It can act as a ‘first aid’ approach to health issues like; toothaches, blocked noses, constipation, diarrhoea and other stomach pains, just to name a few. In conjunction with medically advised treatment, it helps to support a faster recovery by helping the body to get back to balance sooner.
Reflexology for Teenagers
As your children grow into their teenage years, their health issues tend to centre around hormonal changes, sleep patterns and stress form social, sport and school environments. It’s a great ongoing ‘go to’ for teens to help themselves stay balanced, or as a ‘Plan B’ to get through immediate challenges. Either way, having a few simple skills to support their needs when they need it is a huge comfort for parents and teens alike.
Which Reflexology Points Should You Use To Assist Babies, Children & Teenagers?
A term I use to reference these valuable self-help reflex areas is ‘The Usual Suspects’. Because these reflex points have common usage across the range of ages and health issues previously mentioned.
The Usual Suspects are: Solar Plexus, Adrenals, Hypothalamus, Digestive Tract and Gonads (hormonal points). Reflexing all or any of these particular points impact common symptoms. When worked regularly, they produce a physiological response to calm the body.
The diagram below will help you locate these points and demonstrate the best direction of movement to follow. As all these points are like a ‘tonic remedy’ that supports positive function, is there an order to how these should be applied?
Because ‘little feet’ are exactly the same as bigger ones, I would start with all the hormonal points first (i.e. Hypothalamus, Adrenals, Gonads), because these are ‘controller’ points which regulate other body systems. The other general areas (i.e. Solar Plexus, Digestive Tract) as suggested, requires reflexing on these points daily for 2 - 3 minutes each (all up 12 - 15 mins daily on each foot).
The term ‘reflexing’ sounds technical (and when done correctly it is quite technical), however, small circular movements on the specific area will be an adequate substitute.
Still not 100% sure?
For a more thorough treatment, a children’s session in the clinic would be beneficial. I can personally show you and your child how to self-care with these points during the session, and you can go home and practice as your ‘homework’.