Most people love soothing touch - and babies are no exception. They are also crazy about tender touches. They can provide a feeling of security, but also help with gas. There are some acupressure techniques that can help your baby with gas and tummy ache. We summarize the most important tips for you.
Is acupressure a miracle cure for bloating and tummy ache in babies?
The soothing acupressure movements are not that difficult to learn. However, massage techniques and exercises can never be a substitute for therapy .
So if your baby is in pain, you should always consult a doctor first. If your baby is just fussy and possiblyhas tummy ache or a cryingphase,, targeted acupressure can help your baby .
In acupressure, certain points are stimulated using a pressure massage technique to achieve a soothing effect. The pressure is applied using the fingertips, thumb or, in adults, the whole palm of the hand .
Acupressure is closely related to Japanese shiatsu, which in turn has found its way into traditional Chinese medicine. This healing philosophy is based on the assumption that the free flow of life energy, chi, is the prerequisite for optimal health.If this flow is disrupted, problems arise which can be balancedout again withthe helpof an acupressure massage .
Requirements & tips for acupressure
Apart from your (pre-warmed) hands, hardly anything else is required for acupressure. A little time and rest, a blanket and a warm room. That's it. During acupressure, the baby should ideally only be dressed in a bodysuit and initially lie on its back.
As your child is not yet able to speak, it is all the more important to pay close attention to their signals during acupressure. If it starts to whine or clearly doesn't like a certain grip, then change the grip or stop completely. The baby should not feel forced to do anything. This is also important to ensure that such a massage remains a pleasant experience.
It is advisable to use it about one to three times a week. It often relieves pain and blockages. Another positive effect is the strengthening of the parent-child bond.
You don't need to learn any difficult techniques for acupressure. The massage is carried out using intense but gentle pressure with your fingers. You can apply the pressure selectively and statically or make circular movements. Try out what you (and your baby) like best.
Alternatively, you can also try to alleviate your baby's discomfort with the swing2sleep cradle. You place your baby in the cozy hammock and then switch on the intelligent spring cradle motor. This gently rocks your baby to sleep. The up and down movements not only promote sleep, but can also help with flatulence.
The most important points in acupressure for treating complaints
Before you start acupressure, you should find out about the acupressure points that are relevant for acupressure on a baby with a bloated tummy. Only if you hit the right points can the treatment be successful and relieve your baby's pain. Below we present four important acupressure "master points" that are particularly suitable for treating complaints.
Stomach 36 (Ma36)
- Position: 3 thumb widths below the kneecap and 1 thumb width from the outside of the shin bone.
- Application: Problemsin the abdominal area, gastrointestinal complaints. Also stimulates the immune system, knee problems and exhaustion.
- Other: The point is also called the "three-mile point". According to legend, Chinese soldiers massaged this point every three miles to obtain energy for the next three miles.
Large intestine 4 (Di4)
- Position: Directly at the junction between the thumb and index finger. The soft, net-like plexus in the curve that is created when the index finger and thumb are spread apart.
- Application: Diseasesof the face and mouth. Also indigestion or constipation. Also relieves neck pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect on colds, coughs and fever.
Bladder 40 (Bl40)
- Position: With the knee slightly bent, press lightly in the crease between the two tendons.
- Application: Knee, back and hip pain. Also for skin problems, nausea and diarrhea.
Lung 7 (Lu7)
- Position: Laterally on the inside of the forearm, two thumb widths above the wrist crease
- Application:Pain or illnessesin the head areaaffecting the respiratory organs.
Tips on the acupressure points
Acupressure points on the arms and legs should always be treated on both sides. The duration of the individual applications depends on the size and age of the child. For babies, it is best to massage for just one or two minutes at the beginning. If the child is a little older and is relaxed, the massage can be a little longer.
Acupressure can be used to alleviate problems such as colic or pain. You can also simply treatyour baby toa gentle acupressure massage to improve their well-being. Tender touches are also a real treat, especially for babies.
Can acupressure also help babies to fall asleep?
If your babyhas trouble falling asleep, there is another important point: It is located directly above theroot of the nose exactly in the middle between both eyes. Gently massaging this point , has such a calming effect on the vast majority of babies that they eventually fall asleep .
Are there any possible side effects of acupressure?
Acupressure generally has no side effects. However, by alleviating symptoms, there is a risk of not recognizing a serious illness in time. Therefore, self-treatment with acupressure does not replace a visit to the doctor!
Acupressure is an excellent way to treat minor aches and pains and to improve well-being and bonding. It is not a professional medical treatment for serious illnesses. If in doubt, you should always go to the doctor, even when it comes to acupressure. Incidentally, there are also trained specialists such asalternative practitioners, chiropractors orphysiotherapistswho are there for you if you are unsure.
Spring cradle from swing2sleep: further help with bloating & abdominal pain
Thanks to its combination of rhythmic movement and a pleasant limiting effect , our swing2sleep Hammock also has an antispasmodic and calming effect on colic and tummy ache. You place your baby in the cradle: the hammock wraps him or her tightly around it. If you switch on the intelligent motor, your baby is rocked with gentle up and down movements. This can help with flatulence and tummy ache.
The spring cradle also gently encourages your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep. So if your baby has problems falling asleep or wakes up regularly, our spring cradle could help. It has already won over 192,000 families. Give it a try and provide your baby with a cozy nest for restful sleep!
