Reflexology is a treatment where gentle pressure is applied to the feet or hands using the thumbs and fingers. It is based on the theory that reflexes in the feet and hands correspond to each organ and structure in the body, and are linked to those organs by energy channels.

The theory says that when illness occurs in the body, the corresponding energy channels become blocked and reflexology can be applied to clear these blockages, allowing the energy to flow freely and restoring the body’s natural balance.

Sarah Smale at Breathe Reflexology has written a detailed blog post about reflexology for babies.

There are hurdles at every stage but those early weeks and months are some of the hardest, especially for first time parents. Why won’t he stop crying? Why hasn’t he done a poo for a week? How do I relieve the teething pain? Why won’t she sleep? And the questions go on..it can be relentless and all we want is the right solution for our baby because all babies are different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. This is where I introduce reflexology!

Sarah reveals her methods and techniques for dealing with various common baby issues, such as colic, excessive crying, teething pain and constipation.

The tips of the toes correspond to the baby’s head and teeth. This can be especially helpful when babies are teething. By gently applying pressure to these little areas for a few minutes each night, you’ll be able to soothe her and hopefully relieve some of that teething pain.

She also points out that reflexology can be helpful for mums as well as babies, by helping to reduce stress and anxiety and give you that much needed relaxation time.

You can read the full post here.

Breathe Reflexology is based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and can be reached at www.breathereflexology.com.