Massage with the hands begins when the infant is one month old, after sufficient oil has been absorbed and the baby’s body has become strong.
Massage oils, such as mustard, sesame, or coconut, are usually used in India. Mustard oil is used in winter, coconut oil in summer, and sesame in spring and fall. Mustard oil, however, can be irritating to the delicate skin of some babies, and for them, only almond, coconut, or sesame oils are recommended.
The dough ball is used only as a cleansing tool, and only as needed. It can help remove hairs from the infant’s body. If the dough ball massage is not done during the first three months, unnecessary hairs can sometimes grow on the face, arms, legs, and back; this can bring embarrassment to the child, especially the girls, in adolescence.
Massage done with the hands, using the oil appropriate to the season and the dosha, is continued every day for three months.
During the three months, the practitioner should manipulate the infant’s arms and legs to engage and exercise the muscles. Also during this time, the practitioner should spend more time massaging the spine, back, neck, and waist regions and the hands and feet, because these parts need to gain strength to support the body.
Once the baby starts lifting its head on its own and supporting its body weight on its arms, these practices may be discontinued. The massage of the spine, however, still remains an important aspect of the baby’s massage.
The genitals and anus of the infant should be massaged daily with oil to help prevent infections. With a male infant, the foreskin of the penis should be pulled back and oil should be applied to the exposed area to help prevent fungal infection.
During the first three months, the infant should be handled carefully and any discomfort should be avoided. Massage should not be done in the open air unless there is enough sun and warmth. The baby should not be scolded or suddenly roused from sleep lest it becomes frightened.
The baby should also not be picked up or put down suddenly; this could lead to a derangement of Vayu (air) In the body. Any attempt to seat a child before it has become strong enough to support itself may lead to a hunchback condition (kyphosis).
According to the Sushruta Samhita, a child should not be left alone in an unclean or unholy place; It should not be left under the sky (in an uncovered place), or over undulating ground; it should not be exposed to heat, storms, rain, dust, smoke, or cold water.
Daily massage of a baby should be continued for eighteen months. After this time, massage can be given on alternate days. If it is possible to continue with a daily massage routine, however, It will aid in making the child strong and happy.