Is your baby screaming with wind? Or perhaps they haven’t done a poo in days? As a parent I was googling many symptoms at 3am, and praying google would give me the answer. Sometimes it did, but a lot of the time there was such contradicting advice online (and don’t even get me started with AI and how inaccurate that can be).
But there is probably something you haven’t tried yet… reflexology!
You don’t just have to take my word for it that reflexology may help your little one’s tummy troubles (constipation, trapped wind etc). There are small research studies that suggest the same. I want to share these with you so you know it is safe and can be effective!
If you’re not sure what reflexology is, please do check out this page. But essentially, it’s a gentle and relaxing foot massage (done on particular areas) that you can do at anytime, anywhere.
So what does the research say about reflexology and wind/digestive discomfort or colic?
There was a controlled study involving 64 babies with colic. Babies in the reflexology group received reflexology twice a week for 3 weeks, and researchers found the babies who had reflexology had:
- lower colic severity scores
- reduced crying duration
- fewer symptoms overall compared with the control group.
So in summary:
This study suggests reflexology may help reduce symptoms associated with colic and trapped wind, including crying and digestive discomfort.
Another study, this one was about constipation.
This study was a randomized controlled trial looked at children with functional constipation and found improvements in constipation symptoms in the reflexology group compared with controls. It also looked at other research studies which also concluded that foot reflexology could be an effective therapy for functional constipation.
So in summary:
Research suggested reflexology may support bowel movements and ease constipation symptoms in children when used alongside medical care and supportive routines.
There was also a study about reflexology and constipation (and encopresis).
This study involved 50 children aged 3–14 with chronic constipation/encopresis. After six reflexology sessions they had:
- increased bowel movements
- less soiling incidents (for the toilet trained children)
- parents reported positive effects and high satisfaction.
So, in summary:
This study found improvements in bowel frequency and constipation symptoms after reflexology treatment in children with chronic digestive issues.
What areas should I massage on my little one’s foot?
So, as you can see from these studies, reflexology isn’t just a foot rub, it may help, and you don’t need to spend hours and hours giving reflexology.
I have designed routines especially for parents – which you can complete in 2-3 minutes, and you can always refer back to when needed. You can check those out here.
If you have any questions please do get in touch!
Happy Reflexologying,
Lizzie x
Have you tried reflexology? It’s gentle, won’t hurt and research has indicated it can help with constipation.
Research suggests so yes, you can read more about it here. You can also check out my testimonial from Zoe who found it helpful for her little one.
Research suggests that reflexology on your baby (massaging baby’s feet) may help relieve trapped wind in your little one – you can read more about it here.
Honestly, you only need to do it on your babies or toddlers for 2-3 minutes (their feet are so small you can cover more area than you could on an adult in a short space of time). You don’t need to be spending hours giving reflexology. Some of the studies showed daily reflexology, whereas others show 15 minutes twice a week.
Yes absolute, it’s safe from any age and there are only a few contraindications (such as blood clots or injury to the foot)
