While experts can only guess what causes colic, it is commonly observed that many infants with colic seem to have gas and that reducing it seems to ease the discomfort for many. A tummy massage is supposed to help movement of the large intestine. Mr Lee tried it and it seemed to help Isaac. Often he would pass gas when his tummy was rubbed. Indeed, paediatrician Ho Lai Yun from the Singapore General Hospital says baby massage can help relieve colic but it may not work all the time.
Baby massage can even be a pain reliever for teething pains, according to some literature.
But Ms Shalini says massage does induce one's bodies to produce its own pain reliever like endorphine. When the baby is sick, he should get proper treatment and the actual cause of the ailment should be ascertained. Western and Eastern medicine do not always agree, but the American institute, TRI, is also studying the possible benefits of touch and massage to other medical conditions such as hypertension, cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity. She also began to touch my face whenever I carried her. The right touch at the right place with the right rhythm makes the kneading and prodding more comfortable and enjoyable for baby.