Infant massage has been practiced for centuries by parents to help soothe babies, enhance immunities to diseases, and promote a feeling of connectedness between caregiver and child. Robert Toporek's The New Book of Baby and Child Massage brings a fresh approach to the techniques of massage, along with a new-age spin on the benefits of massage for infants and children. The author is a certified Rolf practitioner who has been practicing infant massage for over 25 years. The techniques of Rolf or structural integration are woven into Toporek's style of massage. "Rolfing" involves soft tissue manipulation aimed at improving posture and reducing stress.
The book begins with a brief introduction that outlines the history of infant massage in the United States and then reviews the benefits of massage for babies, children, and their families. The author indicates in this introduction that, in contrast to previous books on techniques of infant massage, his book focuses on techniques along with the physiologic, and psychologic impacts of massage, "treating the body and mind as one." This philosophy sets the tone for the book and elucidates the philosophic underpinnings of his ideas about the benefits of massage for children.
The New Book of Baby and Child Massage is divided into three parts. Part one provides practical tips for parents to use in beginning a pediatric massage regimen with their child. The author goes on to review practical basics such as choice of oil, room temperature, and responding to baby's readiness for massage. Parents are cautioned to check in with themselves about their internal state before, during and after the massage, as parent's mood influences the process and results of the touch experience. All of these basics are useful tools in providing an optimal massage program.
Part 2 is the most substantial portion of the book. It contains the specific strokes for each portion of the body. The techniques of massage for each area are clearly described with drawings and explicit instructions. The technical aspects of this section of this book are very good. Eastern ideas are apparent in his massage techniques. For instance, particular areas of the body represent virtues and mental states. Work on the chest and shoulders impacts the "essence of life," the inner legs are related to "vitality," the upper body represents "self esteem." In total, 10 regions of the body are highlighted.
Part 3 addresses applications of pediatric massage including massage for premature infants and an initiative developed by Toporek called The Children's Project. The author also provides a useful listing of organizations and resources related to body work and pediatric massage.