Can I perform Reflexology on my baby?

We have lots of very interesting questions asked from our students and clients. A lot of them relate to family reflexology, and specifically working with babies.
A most popular question is "Can I give reflexology to my baby?"

Answer: Babies enjoy the relaxing effects of reflexology just as much as adults. A baby's foot has an oval shape to it, usually until they are about 4 or 5 years old, so we recommend a slightly different routine from an adult or older child. Pressure should be gentle, just as if you were smoothing out a crease in a piece of silk, using a gentle tiny forward creeping motion.

Procedure: On the sole of the right foot start at zone 5 and work heel to toe, then move over to zone 4 and work heel to toe, then zone 3, 2 and finally zone 1. Remember to work the inner aspect of the
foot which relates to the spinal reflexes. Stay on the same foot and follow exactly the same procedure - gentle pressure working from heel to toe, again starting at zone 5 and moving across to zone 1.
Finish off by gentle stroking of the entire foot. Move over to the left foot and carry out the same routine.

As baby's feet are so small, the procedure can be carried out once or several times and the entire session can be as short as a couple of minutes to just over five minutes. The golden rule is little, lightly and often! Better to give many two minute sessions than one long one - or none at all. Our newest grandchild Jackson received this treatment when he was just 16 hours old, and judging by his reaction - he loved it! That's him with his older sister Elizabeth in the picture above just after receiving Reflexology from proud Grandpa Jack! Let us know your Reflexology and baby stories.