Shantala (Baby Massage)

A Shantala massage is a very well respected ancient massage that has been passed on in India from generation to generation for centuries.

It was brought to western world by a French obstetrician  Frederique Leboyer.

He learned this massage from a woman called Shantala while he was in India, named it after her as a tribute and introduced it in his book “Loving Hands – the traditional art of baby massage”.

This massage is suitable for all babies and children and is specific with its simple and mesmerizing rhytmical moves that stimulate senses and induce very relaxing effects on the child. It is performed with baby oils while the baby lies on the soft, clean and comfortable mattress. The Shantala massage technique is performed without any muscle work and manipulation, so it is very safe for every child.

It has a very positive impact on baby’s mind as well. It reduces baby’s stress and enhances child’s sense of security, immune system and sleep patterns.

It has also a positive effect on digestion, self-regulation and cortisone levels in the child’s body. For those who don’t know, cortisone is a hormone segregated by human’s body and high levels of cortisone might affect immune system in negative way but on the other hand low levels reduce the chance of illnesses.

This ancient massage also creates bonding and connection with the child especially if it is performed by its mother.

The Shantala massage is a form of massage from which many other children's massage styles have evolved.