By Maggie, Seegmiller, RMT

Massage therapy can be very helpful for babies, and many parents find it a great way to bond with their child. Research shows that gentle touch, like massage, can help babes feel calm and connected to their caregivers. Working with a Registered Massage Therapist can provide extra teaching and support, which can be particularly helpful if a baby is facing specific challenges like torticollis (tight, short neck muscles), plagiocephaly (flat spots on head), feeding issues, sleep problems, or digestive discomfort. 

For babies with torticollis, an RMT can use gentle techniques to help relax tight neck muscles and encourage a greater range of motion. This can make it easier  for the baby to turn their head both ways. This may aid in improving head shape and reduce or prevent plagiocephaly. An RMT can also guide parents in stretching and positioning to use at home to support progress. 

When a baby has tight muscles in their face, jaw or neck, it can affect how well they latch or suck. Massage therapy can be effective in gently working these areas to reduce tension, which may improve feeding and make it a more comfortable experience for both baby and parent. 

Sleep and digestion can also be positively impacted by massage therapy. Regular massage increases relaxation and lowers stress hormones, allowing sleep to come more easily and soundly. When it comes to digestion, we know that relaxation is important, but there are also specific treatments aimed at reducing symptoms of gas and constipation that can give very effective relief. 

Overall, massage therapy is a gentle and natural way to support a baby’s development and comfort. Whether you would like your baby to be seen for a specific issue, or you would just like to learn how to incorporate massage as part of your caregiving at home, working with an RMT will ensure the techniques are safe and effective. Touch Stone Health offers this treatment option.

 If interested, please choose “Baby Massage” when booking with Maggie Seegmiller, RMT. 

By Melanie Reidl, Naturopathic Doctor

How do we achieve healthy metabolic hormones (ie insulin, cortisol, leptin) and optimize body composition (increase muscle, decrease fat)?

Here are 3 important points:

1 – Strength Train/Lift Weights 3-4x/Week 

Strength training helps build lean muscle mass, which improves metabolic health & improves insulin sensitivity. Guidance + accountability with this piece can be very helpful, and I have some excellent personal trainer recommendations and tips on integrating a strength training program.

2 – Optimize Protein + Fibre intake for your Body 

Your age, activity level, and other health factors influence your daily protein requirements. Sufficient amino acid intake signals to the brain that we are full, and helps to prevent overeating. Fibre is also important for its beneficial impact on insulin sensitivity, so we need to mindfully calculate and optimize our daily intake. Guidance + accountability, such as with diet diaries and tracking Apps can really help with this piece.

3 – Assessment/Testing to Determine Your Body’s Unique Biochemistry + Physiology

Through testing + assessment, we can look at individualized factors that influence metabolic health, such as insulin resistance, thyroid health, stress/cortisol, nutrient levels, liver health, inflammation, microbiome health, and more. Your ND could be helpful in this piece in addition to point number 2!  🙂 

If you’re ready to feel like your healthiest, most confident, and beautiful self, I’d be honoured to support you. 

By Leann Mai (M. OMSc)

1     Opens blood supply and drainage through the neck

2 Realigns cranial bones to relieve blockages to the drainage and supply of the sinus tissues

3       Reduces fascia bind at the base of the head and cervical spine to allow ease of motion through the head and eyes

4       Improves and coordinates function of diaphragms through shoulders, jaw, sinus’ and through the brain and spinal cord

5       Restores lymphatic flow through head, neck, and brain.