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[C975]Constipation Remedies For Children

by Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi, Tin

Parents often find that their little ones may have some difficulty with digestion. Constipation occurs from time to time, but can cause discomfort or pain for your baby. There are many different methods you can try to help relieve this discomfort however; I have found baby massage specifically for constipation to be very effective.

Massage can be helpful in encouraging your baby's bowels to move. Prior to starting baby massage:

- Make sure the room is warm enough (especially if removing baby's clothing)

- Relax yourself

- Warm your hands by rubbing them together

- Ask baby's permission to start massage by making eye contact and verbally asking out loud "Is it okay if I massage your Tummy?"

You can massage over clothing, but for tummy massage, I would recommend you use a little oil and massage directly on the skin. Skin to skin contact also creates warmth, which can be very helpful for constipation as well.

For oil, use an all natural fruit or vegetable based oil, something edible. Good choices that you may already have at home include grape seed oil or olive oil. Put a small drop of oil in your hands, about the size of a coin, and rub together to warm. Show baby what you are doing, he'll start to associate the sight and sound with what comes next.

When doing these massage strokes, use a firm but gentle pressure. Always check in with your baby to make sure he likes the massage. Feel free to try a lighter pressure, use a different stroke or just stop if he's done.

To massage your baby's tummy, place warmed hands on tummy at or below the belly button. I know it's a tiny area, but important to target the bowels. Gently stroke downward, using flat palms, hand over hand, a paddling type motion. Next moving hands in a clockwise motion, (very important to move clockwise ? if you go the wrong way, you'll create more issues), stroke baby's tummy in a circle.

Now we'll do a 3-part stroke called I Love You!

With baby laying on the floor facing you: (remember clockwise motion)

1. First trace the letter "I" on baby's left side

2. Next draw an "L" starting on baby's right side, across the top of the tummy and down baby's left side

3. Then draw an upside-down "U"

Finish on the tummy by stroking down with warmed flat hands a few times.

During tummy massage your baby may have a bowel movement or release some air ? great! You might like to leave baby's diaper off during the entire massage session. Babies like to have the freedom of movement they gain without a diaper, so if you decide to leave it off, just have something underneath in case of any accidents.

Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz? Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive system trouble in which you have infrequent bowel movements or pass hard stools. Constipation is a sign, not an illness. It is the term used to mention difficulty going to the toilet or opening the bowels.

Constipation is not a pleasant feeling and sometimes linked with headache and lack of energy. Constipation affects almost each person at one time or another. Constipation is pretty common, and dissimilar things can cause it.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation is generally caused by disturbance of how the intestines work. Other causes of constipation are: Poor diet Lack of exercise not adequate fiber in diet, not sufficient liquids, irritable bowel syndrome, and changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, travel.
Other causes are:
Abuse of laxatives
ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Specific diseases such as numerous sclerosis and lupus
Troubles with the colon and rectum

Home Remedies for Constipation

1) Boysenberry juice has a gentle natural laxative action on your bowel. When your constipation is not further severe this juice will help move things in your colon.

2) Cantaloupe is one of finest fruits you can eat. It is a source of many minerals and Vitamin A and C. It has sufficient quantity of fiber and is useful for constipation.

3) Flaxseed oil is a good Home Remedy for Constipation. Take 1 to 2 tablespoonsful with plenty of water right after lunch or dinner.

4) Drink an infusion of elderflower once daily, as needed.

5) Soak six dates in a glass of hot water; when cool, drink the water and eat the dates.

6) Epsom or Rochelle salts remedy. Drink a mixture of one teaspoonful in a half glass of water before going to bed. This is very bitter in taste, but it is very efficient. This is one more effective Home Remedy for Constipation.

7) Sauerkraut Drink an 8 ounce glass of warm sauerkraut juice followed immediately by an 8 ounce glass of grapefruit juice(unsweetened).

8) First thing in the morning drink a glass of warm water to which the juice of 1/2 a lime and 1 tsp honey has been added.

9) One more superior Home Remedy for Constipation. Soak 10-12 big raisins in a cup of milk and permit to boil, after that eats the raisins first then drink the milk. Do this every morning for 3-4 days till constipation gone.

10) For constipation cure eat 4 fig Newton's each day. It works in the same way exactly as prunes and raisins.

11) For constipation cure eat 1/3 to 1/2 cup of walnuts. You will have bowel movement within 6-7 hours. Doing this each day will stay constipation at bay.

12) Chickweed is an outstanding herb for relieving constipation within some hours. It helps strengthen the stomach and bowels and helps in the transfer of waste matters. This herb acts as a useful Home Remedy for Constipation.

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Both Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi & Dr. John Anne are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi has sinced written about articles on various topics from Constipation Causes, Fitness and Family. Looking for expert advice, tips and tools to help improve your child's health? Find answers to all your questions about infant massage instruction training,. Tina Allen, Lmt, Ciit, Cimi's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.

Dr. John Anne has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Dr John Anne is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more