Reflexology Jeanette Barsalini

baby reflex is a specially adapted form of reflexology that parents can use to treat their own babies. The techniques were originally developed to assist with bonding and, over the years, have helped to give relief from many baby discomforts, proving to be very popular and successful with parents.

baby reflex was founded by Jenny Lee, who is a Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified reflexologist and teacher. She has worked with parents and young children for over fifteen years during which time she has carried out a number of pilot studies, in conjunction with children's GPs, designed to examine the effects of reflexology on childhood asthma. The results of those studies revealed benefits of reduced asthma, better sleep patterns, greater ability to relax, a much improved "quality of life" and, importantly, an enjoyment by those children of the reflexology treatment itself.

It works in the same way that reflexology works in adults but uses specially adapted reflexology techniques to suit the needs of babies, taking into account their size and wellbeing.

baby reflex is taught to parents by a fully qualified reflexologist and baby reflex practitioner over the course of 3 (usually weekly) x 1 hour workshops. During the workshops, parents practise on each other or on 'dolly feet' and, by the end of each session, will have the necessary skills and confidence to perform the baby reflex techniques on their own baby.

The workshops are themed as follows:
week 1 - sleeping/comforting
week 2 - feeding/digesting
week 3 - well being.
Colic, teething, relief from sinus and ear congestion, immune system boosting, calming and relaxing are all covered in the above themes.

Teaching the parents the techniques in bite size chunks in this way allows them to absorb and remember the information more easily and there is time at the beginning of the second and third workshops to practise the techniques learnt during the previous session.

baby reflex can help to:

Improve sleep patterns
Boost the immune system
Provide relief from colic, trapped wind and constipation
Ease teething pain
Reduce ear and sinus congestion
Promote general wellbeing
Relax both you and your baby
Support parent and baby bonding

Regular treatment with baby reflex is also thought to help with conditions such as asthma.

Parents, grandparents and carers given permission by the baby’s parents can attend a workshop or baby reflexology lesson.

baby reflex is suitable for babies aged between 4 weeks and 10 months.

Teaching is usually carried out in parents' homes with small groups of parents (eg NCT groups, mother and baby groups). One to one appointments are also available and these take place either at my clinic or in the parents' home.

They're both lovely and can both help with parent-baby bonding. However, baby reflex can easily be given any time, anywhere, whether you are at home or in the supermarket, whenever your baby needs to be calmed and comforted quickly and easily.

In most cases babies relax quickly and often fall asleep. Most babies love it!

Prices
• Small groups (ideally 4 - 6 people plus babies) in a parent's home:
£60 per person (3 x 1 hour workshops) payable in full at first session. For smaller groups, please phone me for prices.
• One to one appointments (baby plus one or both parents) at my clinic or in the parents' home:
£180 per course (3 x 1 hour workshops) payable in full at first session.

What's included?
• Three weekly one hour workshops
• All learning tools including charts for you to use at home and course notes
• Individual attention from your tutor throughout the class
• Tailoring of the techniques for your baby’s particular needs
• Ongoing support after completion of your course.

Samuel (aged 14 weeks) and parents Annette and Chris, enjoying a baby reflex workshop, October 2011