Encouraging Touch Baby Massage Classes and Workshops
Discover the art of baby massage with Encouraging Touch.
About Encouraging Touch
Your Instructor
History of the International Association of infant Massage
History of the International Association of infant Massage
Hello! My name is Nancy Chang, and I am a CEIM (Certified Educator of Infant Massage) certified through Infant Massage USA (https://infantmassageusa.org), which is part of the International Association of Infant Massage (https://iaim.net). Please take some time to explore these websites as they are filled with studies, videos, and a wealth of information about babies and effective baby bonding techniques!
For 40 years, I worked as a special educator, helping students who faced intense challenges daily. By guiding my students to discover different learning strategies, we became connected, creative, confident, and resilient together!
In addition to teaching, I have many interests and passions in life! I have always been active, having run track and cross country and played soccer throughout my life! I love gardening, doing calligraphy, and traveling to new places! My interest in infant massage began when I gave birth to my first son in 1998. I took him to a class, and it was such an amazing experience! I would describe it as pure 'love'! Years later, I earned my certification to teach baby massage classes, and it truly brings me that same joy with each workshop that I conduct!
We have the gift of touch at our fingertips! Let's share it with our little ones!
History of the International Association of infant Massage
History of the International Association of infant Massage
History of the International Association of infant Massage
The International Association of Infant Massage was founded by Vimala McClure, who had a transformative experience at a small orphanage in northern India in 1973 when she was just 21. As she prepared to leave, she observed a touching scene: a young mother sat in the dirt with her baby across her knees, lovingly massaging him and singing. This moment led her to reflect on the essence of life, realizing that there is so much more to it than material wealth. Despite having very little, the mother was able to provide her baby with the beautiful gift of love and security, a vital component in nurturing compassionate human beings.
After the birth of her first child in 1976, Vimala developed a curriculum for infant massage classes that combined Swedish strokes, principles from reflexology and yoga, as well as traditional Indian techniques. In 1977, she published her book, Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents.
By participating in an Encouraging Touch workshop, you will learn about Vimala's techniques and discover the numerous benefits and joys of infant massage for you and your little one.
Benefits of Infant Massage
History of the International Association of infant Massage
Benefits of Infant Massage
The four main categories of benefits are as follows:
1. Interaction - fostering baby bonding techniques, feeling respected, and developing empathy.
2. Stimulation Of - enhancing the circulatory system, digestive system, and promoting muscular development and tone.
3. Relief - alleviating gas and colic, easing constipation and elimination issues, and providing comfort during teething discomfort.
4. Relaxation - helping regulate behavioral states and boosting higher levels of relaxing or anti-stress hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin.
In addition to these benefits for babies, there are also countless advantages for parents, the entire family, and society!
Upcoming Workshop!
Come join me on March 4th at Momease in Old Town, Alexandria for an educational and relaxing baby massage workshop!
Date: Wednesday, March 4th from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Momease 1414 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia
How to Sign Up: Go to momease.com and sign up by February 22nd to receive a discount!