Babies, Children and Teen Treatments
Reflexology is a wonderful treatment for babies, children, and teenagers. I practice Gentle Touch Reflexology for Babies and Children, developed by Sue Ricks. Gentle touch Reflexology is an extremely light touch treatment applied to the reflexes on the feet and/or hands. These reflexes reflect the organs and systems of the body.
Sometimes the body becomes overwhelmed, stressed and out of balance for several reasons. These may include a long and tiring entrance into the world, difficulty feeding, unsettled sleep, irritability, dealing with life’s transitions and changes of new siblings, starting or changing nursery and schools, moving house, exams, relationship and friendship troubles. Check out how stress affects the body as it’s also applicable to babies, children and teens.
Gentle Touch Reflexology can support babies through these periods by:
– Promoting relaxation and calmness- a calmer, more settled baby, usually equals a calmer and more settled parent/ carer.
– Allowing more restful sleep.
– Reduction in stress allows for improved and optimised digestion and immunity.
In the case of older children and teens relaxation through Gentle Touch Reflexology:
– Can help with improved focus and concentration.
– Assist with immunity and help battle any frequent colds, coughs, and low energy.
– Lower stress levels can help with ‘worried tummies’ and busy heads caused by repetitive thoughts, sleep disturbances, and restlessness.
– Decreasing stress and having better ability to manage these situations can help young people with their self-confidence and self-worth.
Gentle Touch Reflexology is simple, effective, and non-invasive, it works on the young person, incorporating their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
I am always happy you show you both simple reflexology points to use at home either as part of your daily routine, or as and when you think they would help. The power of positive touch can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your child, and extremely empowering for children to have reflexology in their tool kit to support their own health and wellbeing.
How Baby to Teen Treatments Happen
As with a treatment with an adult I will begin in the same way in explaining in an age-appropriate manner ‘what is reflexology’ to the child, and ask them how they are and how they think it might help them? I will complete the consultation with input from the young person where appropriate, and their parent/ carer.
Babies and children won’t always sit and switch off for their treatment in the same way an adult might, and that is ok. I am always happy to go with the child’s needs during the treatment, whether this is sitting on their parent/carer’s knee in the Lafuma chair or on a sofa, in their car seat, they can play with toys on the floor, they can even breastfeed or have a snack as I work. The important thing is that they are content and relaxed in the environment, and so are you.
Please do not feel that it is a failed or wasted session if the child is chatting throughout, or appears to not be engaging, is moving about, or even sleeping during their treatment, or not wanting to be treated for the whole duration, it takes time for some children to build a rapport with somebody new, and if we respect this, and go at their pace, there is more chance of successful sessions. I will lead the session and you are welcome to bring a book and try and take the time to relax.
I will explain the reflexes that I am working as I go, and these can be useful for you to carry on using at home in between sessions.
Along with the reasons outlined above the time spent treating babies to teens will vary due to their age, health, any additional needs, and the size of their hand and feet.
A very young baby only requires 5-10 minutes for a full treatment, older babies, toddlers and young children are usually okay with a 30-45 minute treatment and a teenager will usually be content being treated for up to 45-60 minutes.
A typical treatment will be approximately 1 hour, and include the consultation, treatment, and aftercare advice.
Under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult and remain with the young person for the duration of the treatment.
Adult must give permission and counter sign the consent form.
It is important to remember that no matter what age the person receiving the treatment, and no matter what the reasons are for wanting the treatment, the body will utilise the treatment as it needs on the day, and take from it what it requires, and begin to rebalance itself. Please do not be disheartened if you do not ‘notice or feel’ what you were expecting right away. Sometimes healing and balancing can be like layers of an onion. It can take time for the body to process the changes and shifts, you may experience them during or after the treatment, and they may be in a physical, mental, or emotional form. Take a look at the Healing Response for information about what to expect for your child after their treatment.
While reflexology can offer many benefits it should never replace conventional medical care. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your child’s health.
