The Science Behind Centuries-Old Infant Massage Techniques

The Science Behind Centuries-Old Infant Massage Techniques

The Science Behind Centuries-Old Infant Massage Techniques Living Paradigms is a series about what we can learn from the customs and cultural practices of others when it comes to solving problems. It is sponsored by Wonderstruck. I n a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Sarita Devi sings to her newborn grandson. Sitting on the ground with the infant nestled into her lap, the 56-year-old massages him with oil from her kitchen. He yawns as she gently stretches his legs and massages around the umbilical cord. Finally, she wraps him in a blanket and he goes to sleep in the sun.  “I learned how to massage newborns from my mother when my babies were born,” she says. “At birth, babies are stressed as they emerge from the warmth of the mother’s womb into the cold world. Massage soothes them, helps their bones to develop … It is the best way to welcome a baby into the world.” Massage therapy has been a part of traditional Indian newborn care since time immemorial. Massaging newborns is often entrusted…