Are you considering the practice of Shantala Massage? Do you think that you and your baby will reap the benefits? The ancient Indian technique of the Shantala massage has extended into wider cultures across the world due to its overwhelming benefits.
Here, we look at the top 5 benefits of the Shantala massage for your baby and you. One of the biggest benefits is that the bond between you and your baby will strengthen!
The 5 Benefits of Shantala Massage
When it comes to your baby’s well-being, there really isn’t a better and more effective way than introducing the joys and the benefits of a Shantala massage. With its distinct lack of disadvantages, the Shantala massage is soothing for both parent and baby and offers many ways to connect in a relaxing, positive environment.
If you are new to the whole massaging experience, the 5 benefits of introducing both you and your baby to the concept are right here. You will quickly see that massaging your way is far more than a simple ‘stress reliever.’ It won’t be long before your baby builds up its tolerance for your soothing hand and giggles and wiggles as you embark on each massage!
If you have had a spiritual pregnancy, you should definitely carry it on into early childhood!
1. Improves Digestion
A new baby can come with a wide variety of gastrointestinal issues or allergies that can affect the tummy, resulting in a miserable and uncomfortable little one. With the added stress that goes with this discomfort, pain, bloating, and gas can surface, and providing relaxation methods such as a massage can make a huge difference.
Regular massages of infants and young children can lessen gastric upset, leading to less tense muscles and nerves in the massaged area. This can promote great digestion and lessen the pain felt due to blockages or discomfort and pain. You can find more information on techniques here.
2. Calmer Baby
Adults and children alike both benefit from the techniques of a massage. We feel the stress in our bodies, and that stress is alleviated when various techniques soothe us. Providing a Shantala massage for your baby takes very little preparation, and aside from waiting at least 45 minutes after feeding, you can do this any time of the day. Mornings and evenings work really well when inviting your baby into a brand new day or preparing them for a sound sleep.
Create a calm atmosphere with a warm and quiet environment. Make sure it is comfortable for both of you and maintain that level of communication throughout the experience so that your child fully embraces the experience. You will begin to find when is the best time for your baby to enjoy a massage, and as each is different, there is no right or wrong.
3. Improves Circulation
The Shantala massage is great for improving circulation. If circulation is poor, pain, tension, and tightness are likely to increase, and massages effectively maintain good flow and improved conditions within the body, yes, even in babies!
As you learn more about your baby and their response to your touch, you will begin to notice how easy it becomes to release the tension in different areas such as the shoulders, back, stomach, legs, hands, and feet. Massaging those problems and areas of tightness will immediately improve circulation as the friction between your fingers and their skin frequents. As your baby gets older, you can begin to be a little firmer, but start gently.
4. Promotes Well Being
There has never been a better time to look after yourself, and it is most certainly never too early to introduce your baby to the benefits of doing so. It is easy to assume a massage is just that, but there is a high level of communication that goes with the experience. Encouraging eye-to-eye contact, smiling, and soothing vocal sounds are imperative for a baby’s development and, in turn, learning what it is like to bond with their parent.
It is worth noting that it is healthy not only for your baby but also for you. As a new parent, it can be daunting to think that you are responsible for aspects of your child’s emotional and physical development. Still, when you find something as beneficial as a massage regularly, you too can take away some precious advantages of regular relaxation time.
5. Improves Sleep
Babies are brand new to everything. They are learning very quickly how routines are comforting and necessary. When you promote regular Shantala massages for your baby, you will soon notice how this aids a healthy and happy sleep pattern, just as if we, as adults, had a lovely massage before bed!
Shantala massages aid sleep and the self-soothing that babies need to sleep more independently. The beauty of mastering a positive and comforting nighttime routine that can include a massage before bed the less likely they will become to wake up during the night. Find out more about how massages and sleep go well together here.
What You Will Need Before You Begin Your Shantala Massage
It is always a good idea to prepare yourself for your baby’s massages. You are less likely to interrupt the sessions if you have everything you need to hand before you start. It is a good idea to make sure you have the following to hand before you begin:
- Emollient cream or massage oil
- Fresh, clean towels or muslins
- Clothes to dress your baby after the massage
- A spare diaper and wipes or cloths
- Soothing music is always nice but not necessary
- A warm, calm room
Massage Books
There is also a fantastic book, ‘The Little Book of Baby Massage: Use The Power Of Touch to Calm Your Baby,’ designed to teach, help, and support you in your journey of baby massaging, available now on Amazon.
Conclusion – Have Fun!
If you want to know the top benefits of Shantala massage, this page has given you 5 of the best!
Massages are designed to be positive and loving. Your baby will be happy for the love and attention just as much as they will be happy for the comforting ways it makes their bodies feel. You will also find yourself smiling in response to their joy, and the more your babies enjoy it, the longer you will be able to do it!
Ultimately, when you spend time whit your baby, it will strengthen the bond! This increases as you spend more and more close time with your baby.
Good luck…
