Massage-related wellness treatments are certainly very beneficial for children of all ages. But visiting a specialist is quite expensive for many. To help parents come devices and tools that allow the baby to receive strengthening and healing sessions right at home. One of them is a foot massage mat. What it is and how to use it, we will try to find out right now.
Advantages and disadvantages
Children's massage rugs are benefits obtained in a playful way for the baby. A bright and interesting object attracts the child's attention, he will like to walk and jump on it. Meanwhile, the protruding elements - bumps, cones, mini-thorns will tirelessly do their job - massage the baby's legs, influencing the "strategically important" points of the foot.
Externally, the rugs look like a patchwork quilt, where each rectangular element is of a different color, and sometimes of a different texture. Such rugs are made of non-toxic materials: rubber rubber, carpet, polyurethane foam.
Bright colors used by manufacturers have a positive effect on the psyche of the child, develop imagination and imagination. In addition, some models can be disassembled and assembled like puzzles.
The rugs do not require special care, and this is their undoubted advantage. It is enough to wipe the surface with a damp cloth from dust and dirt once every three to four days, the materials from which a useful and interesting toy is made allow you to wash them with detergents safe for a child.
The only disadvantage of the leg massage applicator is its cost. The price for most models starts at one and a half thousand rubles.
Indications
Foot massage is a procedure that allows you to successfully prevent and treat many ailments: posture problems, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, a number of neurological diagnoses, and dysplasia of the feet. A point effect on the sensitive zones of the sole strengthens the immune system, relieves the condition in diseases of the kidneys, stomach, headaches, has a general strengthening effect, improves blood circulation.
Even ancient healers knew that points on a person's feet are responsible for his internal organs, and pressing one heals the heart, and the other heals the liver.
The massage mat makes it possible to influence the whole organism as a whole and on each of its "screws" in particular.
Orthopedic mats are shown when:
- Flat feet;
- Asymmetrical walking;
- Deformities of the feet of various etiologies;
- Weak or excessive muscle tone
- A predisposition to very high or pathologically low arch of the foot.
Contraindications
Orthopedic surgeons, who generally appreciate the effect of massage mats, do not recommend using the product for children under 1 year old.
It is not recommended to exercise and play on such a surface for children with violations of the integrity of the skin of the feet and legs, if they have cuts, wounds, abrasions, bleeding calluses, diaper rash or fungal diseases.
With care, it is necessary to allow children with an insufficiently developed, weak musculoskeletal system to play on an uneven surface, with diseases that cause a violation of the vestibular apparatus. In no case should such children be left alone on the modular surface, because they can fall and get injured on an uneven surface.
Models
Manufacturers offer many different models.
Let's look at some of the most popular (according to parental reviews and sales statistics) models and manufacturers:
"Trives M 514" (pebbles). This model is suitable for the whole family, it imitates sea stones, such a product can be laid in the bathroom and walked on before bathing. The texture has an average degree of hardness. The applicator is perfect for improving blood circulation in the legs, for massage of the feet.
"Sea bottom"... These elastic and relatively soft rugs are made in Russia from rubber rubber. Outwardly, the product really strongly resembles the underwater world. There are rugs with sea horses, with corals, with fancy patterns of seaweed, sea pebbles. The child will surely like to play with such a rug in the water; it can be laid on the bottom of an inflatable pool, bath or basin. Manufacturers allow this use.
"Puzzle 1+". This is a popular children's orthopedic mat, consisting of 8 modules. It is made from polymers. Such a rug can be bought for a one-year-old baby and a five-year-old fidget. It is useful for the prevention and treatment of flat feet and in older children, the product will even withstand the weight of an adult due to the thick and dense base (the part under the uneven surface).
"FOSTA"... This name covers a whole range of models of floor applicators, the most "favorite" of mothers - "Fosta F 0810" and "Fosta F0109". These rugs can be combined, or can be purchased as an eight-module covering. They are not too tough, this makes it possible to feel comfortable during classes.
"Ortho"... Modular Ortho coating is a dense rubber mix of different textures. One applicator can contain elements with imitation of sea stones, pebbles, a soft forest path with villi, thorns or rounded tubercles, bumps, pimples, etc. The child's rug can be assembled independently by purchasing separate Ortho modules. It is also possible to design a cover of any size. Made in Russia.
"Lyapko's rug". Elastic rubber mat with zinc, copper, silver, nickel needles. The coating was developed by reflexologist Nikolay Lyapko. The product combines two useful procedures - massage and acupuncture. In children's versions, this coating has bright colors.
Procedure
Working out on a modular orthopedic covering is quite simple and interesting. The main thing is not to rush to extremes, and to celebrate the purchase of an applicator, not to allow its uncontrolled and unlimited use.
Acupuncture (impact on active biological points) also has its own side effects, and excessive interest in it can harm the child. Therefore, parents need to know how to properly use the massage mat.
- First step. Invite your child to walk barefoot on the surface. The back should be kept straight, breathing evenly and calmly. Then ask your baby to walk, bending the foot inward, and then outward. You can finish the lesson by rolling from heels to toes, while standing on his toes, the baby must lift the arms up, as if stretching. The total duration of classes at the first stage should not exceed five to ten minutes. The stage lasts on average about 10 days, after which you can proceed to increasing the load.
- Second phase. Classes should now always begin with a five-minute warm-up. Include the exercises of the first stage in it. Then gradually add one new intense exercise from session to session. Marching barefoot on bumps, "like the military." Walking in a half-crouch - "goose gait". Marching on a full foot with a high rise of legs - "dinosaurs stomp", etc. Between exercises, ask the baby to unbend and bend toes, make circular movements with the foot. The duration of classes in the second stage starts from 10 minutes, gradually increase the massage time to half an hour, and then to 45 minutes.
Do not think that after a week of classes the child will notice visible improvements. You will have to walk on the miracle rug systematically and for a long time, but the effect will certainly be there. And, perhaps, it will exceed all your expectations.
Tips for choosing
- Before buying a massage mat for a child, it is best to consult a pediatric orthopedist. The doctor will see if the baby's legs have any individual structural features, and will tell you what size and texture the coating will best suit your little one.
- Consider the age of the child. For a little man who has barely learned to walk, rugs with large, large irregularities and bumps are not suitable. The kid can get hurt.
- Pay attention to the material. Softer products are recommended for children under 3-4 years old. Hard ones are more suitable for children 4 years and older.
- You must personally touch and inspect the rug, read the sanitary and hygienic permit and the certificate from the manufacturer. The new rug should not emit strong odors. If they are, the dyes are unsafe, refuse such a purchase. It is best to choose a product in an orthopedic salon or a specialized large chain store of children's goods.
- Do not use a rug that is too small or too large. The first will restrict the child's movement during active activities. And the second will create discomfort if you need to quickly get off the uneven surface to a regular floor.
You can also make a massage mat yourself. This master class will help you with this:
Reviews
In general, reviews of massage rugs for children's feet are quite positive. Mothers are delighted, doctors are in complete solidarity with them. But there is one caveat.
Some parents complain that they cannot "drive" their child onto a modular floor. Most likely, the reason for this behavior of the baby is that the adults grossly violated the "rule of two stages", and immediately began to force the baby to walk on irregularities for a long time and diligently. This caused pain, bewilderment and rejection in the little one.
Use the product correctly, work with your child together, it will also benefit you. In no case should you force the toddler to spank on the rug on command; for him, treatment should be an exciting game, not a duty.
According to the reviews of moms and dads, recently, more and more often, parents are choosing not ready-made orthopedic coatings, but making them on their own, using for this large and small buttons, beads, chestnut fruits, pebbles. Homemade rugs are almost as effective as factory-made ones. But I can't help but bring my fly in the ointment - if the element suddenly breaks off from the base base, then the baby can fall, be injured, dislocate the ankle, and especially inquisitive researchers will certainly try the dropped out part on the tooth. You know how it can end.
Treat and prevent prevention wisely!
