Most people love soothing touch – and babies are no exception. They are also crazy about gentle touch. It can provide a sense of security, but at the same time help with flatulence. There are several acupressure techniques that can help your baby with gas and abdominal pain. We have summarized the most important tips for you.
Is acupressure a miracle cure for gas & abdominal pain in babies?
The soothing techniques of acupressure are not that difficult to learn. However, massage techniques and exercises can never be a substitute for therapy.
If your baby is in pain, you should always consult a doctor first. If they are merely fussy and potentially have abdominal pain or a tearful phase, targeted acupressure can help your baby.
In acupressure, specific points are stimulated with a pressure massage technique to achieve a soothing effect. Pressure is applied with the fingertips, the thumb, or in adults, even with the entire 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 assumes that a free flow of life energy, Chi, is the prerequisite for optimal health. If this flow is disrupted, problems arise that can be rebalanced with the help of an acupressure massage.
Requirements & tips for acupressure
Apart from your (pre-warmed) hands, hardly anything else is required for acupressure. A little time and peace, a blanket, and a warm room. That's it. During acupressure, the baby should ideally only be wearing a bodysuit and initially lie on their back.
Since your child cannot speak yet, it is all the more important to pay close attention to their signals during acupressure. If they start to fuss or obviously dislike a certain grip, then change the grip or stop altogether. The baby should not feel forced into anything. This is also important so that such a massage remains a pleasant experience.
The application is recommended about one to three times per week. Often, pain and blockages can be resolved this way. Another positive effect is the strengthening of the parent-child bond.
You don't need to learn difficult techniques for acupressure. The massage is performed using intense but gentle pressure with your fingers. You can apply the pressure selectively and statically or perform circular movements. Try out what you (and your baby) like best.
Alternatively, you can also try to alleviate your baby's discomfort with the automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep. You place your baby in the cozy hammock and then switch on the intelligent automatic baby hammock 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 discomfort
Before you start with acupressure, you should inform yourself about the acupressure points that are relevant for the acupressure of a baby with a bloated belly. Only if you hit the right points can the treatment be successful and alleviate your baby's pain. Below we present four important "master points" of acupressure that are particularly well-suited for treating discomfort.
Stomach 36 (ST36)
- Position: 3 thumb-widths below the kneecap and 1 thumb-width from the outside of the shin bone edge.
- Application: Problems in the abdominal area, gastrointestinal complaints. Also stimulation of 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 gain energy for the next three miles.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4)
- Position: Directly at the transition between the thumb and index finger. The soft, web-like area in the curve that is created when the index finger and thumb are spread apart.
- Application: Illnesses in the face and mouth area. Also digestive disorders or constipation. Also relieves neck pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect on colds, coughs, and fevers.
Bladder 40 (BL40)
- Position: With the knee slightly bent, press gently in the crease of the knee between the two tendons.
- Application: Knee, back, and hip pain. Also for skin problems, nausea, and diarrhea.
Lung 7 (LU7)
- Position: On the side of the inside of the forearm, two thumb-widths above the wrist crease.
- Application: Pain or illnesses in the area of the head with effects on the respiratory organs.
Tips for acupressure points
For acupressure points on the arms and legs, treatment should always be carried out on both sides. The duration of the individual applications depends on the height and age of the child. For babies, it is best to massage for only one or two minutes at the beginning. If the child is a little older and appears relaxed, the massage can also last a little longer.
With acupressure, problems such as colic or pain can be relieved. But you can also give your baby a gentle acupressure massage every now and then to increase their well-being. Tender touches are a real treat, especially for babies.
Can acupressure also help babies fall asleep?
If your baby has trouble falling asleep, there is another important point: It is located directly above the bridge of the nose, exactly in the middle between both eyes. If you gently massage this point, it has such a calming effect on most babies that they eventually fall asleep.
Are there possible side effects of acupressure?
Acupressure usually 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 is no substitute for a visit to the doctor!
Acupressure is excellent for treating minor aches and pains and increasing well-being and bonding. It is not a professional medical treatment for serious illnesses. In case of doubt, you should always see a doctor, including regarding acupressure. Furthermore, there are also trained professionals such as alternative practitioners, chiropractors or physiotherapists who are there for you if you are unsure.
Automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep: further help with bloating & abdominal pain
Through its combination of rhythmic movement and pleasant confinement, our swing2sleep automatic baby hammock also has an antispasmodic and calming effect on colic and abdominal pain. You place your baby in the automatic baby hammock: there, it is tightly embraced by the hammock. When you turn on the intelligent motor, your baby is rocked with gentle up and down movements. This can help with bloating and abdominal pain.
In addition, the automatic baby hammock gently promotes falling asleep and staying asleep. So if your baby has trouble falling asleep or wakes up regularly, our automatic baby hammock could help. It has already convinced over 192,000 families. Feel free to try it out and offer your baby a cozy nest for restful sleep!
