Organic reflexology for baby and child
I am a qualified Baby Reflex & Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers Practitioner and have diverse experience in treating children and young people of all ages, from newborn to young adults. Through stimulating different reflex areas babies and children relax, whilst encouraging specific parts of the body to respond to help reduce tension and increase wellbeing. Many parents have expressed to me how this form of reflexology has helped their babies and young clients have been supported with a range of issues including sleep and emotional wellbeing. ASA restrictions mean I am unable to list all issues these here, but I have included some research studies detailed below. Contact me to discuss how reflexology may support your child.
Recent research studies on reflexology for babies and children:
1. Bertand, A et al (2019) in a study of 192 paediatric patients, foot reflexology significantly reduce pain and anxiety in children suffering from persistent or chronic pain. (Ref: Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain, Bertrand, A, Bull Cancer 2019 1073-1079 12 106)
2. Results from a pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland found the series of the treatments helped reduce the suffering of all the babies with infant colic. The colic symptoms disappeared on 43% of infants and decreased on the remaining 57%. The parents reported having pleasant experiences with the treatment, regardless whether the colic symptoms disappeared or continued. Parents stated that the treatment reduced the most typical colic symptoms; infants’ body tension, colic crying and restless movements, poor sleep quality and irregular bowel movements. The study concluded that reflexology treatment seems to be a safe and effective way to treat infants with colic when conducted by a health care professional with reflexology training and experience. (Ref: A pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland, Leena, H et al Scand J Caring Sci 2019)
3. Research study stated caregivers expressed that there were increases in self-confidence of children, improvement in walking, reduced spasticity, relaxation, decreases in constipation, and increases in communication, speech and perception after reflexology. (Ref: Özkan Filiz; Zincir Handan, Opinions and observations of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy about changes seen after reflexology: A qualitative study, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 242-247 3)
How the needs of different aged children are met:
At Sole Therapy Reflexology I adapt my treatment and approaches to meet children’s needs whilst respecting their age and development:
Reflexology is suitable for children of all ages, and Baby Reflex & Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers courses have been developed to enable parents to support their baby & toddlers' wellbeing whilst being easy to learn and quick to do!
Recent research studies on reflexology for babies and children:
1. Bertand, A et al (2019) in a study of 192 paediatric patients, foot reflexology significantly reduce pain and anxiety in children suffering from persistent or chronic pain. (Ref: Evaluation of efficacy and feasibility of foot reflexology in children experiencing chronic or persistent pain, Bertrand, A, Bull Cancer 2019 1073-1079 12 106)
2. Results from a pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland found the series of the treatments helped reduce the suffering of all the babies with infant colic. The colic symptoms disappeared on 43% of infants and decreased on the remaining 57%. The parents reported having pleasant experiences with the treatment, regardless whether the colic symptoms disappeared or continued. Parents stated that the treatment reduced the most typical colic symptoms; infants’ body tension, colic crying and restless movements, poor sleep quality and irregular bowel movements. The study concluded that reflexology treatment seems to be a safe and effective way to treat infants with colic when conducted by a health care professional with reflexology training and experience. (Ref: A pilot study of parents’ experiences of reflexology treatment for infants with colic in Finland, Leena, H et al Scand J Caring Sci 2019)
3. Research study stated caregivers expressed that there were increases in self-confidence of children, improvement in walking, reduced spasticity, relaxation, decreases in constipation, and increases in communication, speech and perception after reflexology. (Ref: Özkan Filiz; Zincir Handan, Opinions and observations of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy about changes seen after reflexology: A qualitative study, Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018 242-247 3)
How the needs of different aged children are met:
At Sole Therapy Reflexology I adapt my treatment and approaches to meet children’s needs whilst respecting their age and development:
- Baby reflexology treatments and Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers is provided as a short, relaxing and therapeutic 1-1 treatment focusing on calming and specific ailments without over stimulating (session approx 25 min, initial appointment slightly longer). Organic oils can be used during these sessions to provide a gentle, calming treatment
- Children's reflexology is provided as a 1-1 session (with parent/carer present) focusing on the child's needs and supporting reflexes in the aim of bringing about improvements in the problem (session approx 35 min, initial appointment slightly longer). Organic oils are used for children's reflexology to provide a gentle treatment
- Clients of secondary school age and upwards are usually given a treatment similar to an adult. This is to provide them with the most effective treatment taking into account their maturity and physical development (session approx 70 min, initial appointment slightly longer)
- Books are available for children to look at and they can bring a teddy or a tablet for 1-1 sessions to help them feel at ease
Reflexology is suitable for children of all ages, and Baby Reflex & Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers courses have been developed to enable parents to support their baby & toddlers' wellbeing whilst being easy to learn and quick to do!
Courses for parents/grandparents
For those interested in learning how to provide reflexology to their baby or toddler, courses are run in Orpington, Kent, for small groups of parents/grandparents/carers. The sessions focus on promoting wellbeing of the child. The Baby Reflex course consists of 3 sessions covering different topics, whilst Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers consists of 2 sessions. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour. These courses were devised by the School of Calmology.
Baby Reflex courses run weekly for 3 weeks. Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked.
Please note; Baby Reflex and Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers courses are different to baby massage. These forms of reflexology are very relaxing for the child whilst being specifically designed courses that teach you how to give therapeutic reflexology to your baby/toddler to bring improved health and well-being. Treatment packs are provided, along with the knowledge and practical skills to enable you to support you growing child.
Baby Reflex courses run weekly for 3 weeks. Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked.
Please note; Baby Reflex and Baby Reflex 4 Toddlers courses are different to baby massage. These forms of reflexology are very relaxing for the child whilst being specifically designed courses that teach you how to give therapeutic reflexology to your baby/toddler to bring improved health and well-being. Treatment packs are provided, along with the knowledge and practical skills to enable you to support you growing child.
Baby Reflex
Jenny Lee, a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified Reflexologist developed Baby Reflex in 2005. Following 15 years’ of extensive research in to the effects of regular reflexology Jenny had many requests from parents wanting to learn how to use these techniques on their own children the course was developed.
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Baby Reflex fundamentally understands the importance of touch on infants and uses safe, easy and accessible techniques for all. It aims to:
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Toddler ReflexBaby Reflex 4 Toddlers is perfect for preschool children aged approximately 10 months and upwards. Routines taught are accompanied by nursery rhymes and lullabies appealing to toddlers and parents and it is great fun! It aims to:
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For more information about children's reflexology, to discuss your child's needs, or for information when the next courses are running contact Emma on 07734 866371 or visit bookings page.
