Butterfly Touch

developed from the work of Eva Reich

a very light bioenergetic contact on the clothed body

Butterfly Touch nurtures the nervous system, harmonises all the body functions, and helps the baby to establish body awareness. It is particularly useful in overcoming the effects of a difficult birth and in supporting and healing the bonding of mother and baby.

It is important to use this form of touch only when the baby is settled and to keep touch very light ,tuning in to what is acceptable for your baby. The baby can be lying on the floor, or on a bed or padded table. It can be of benefit to give butterfly touch at a regular time each day. Between five and fifteen minutes is usually long enough. If the baby begins to cry during the session, finish with the long strokes.

This form of touch can be easily learned and offered in love and friendship. It can deepen the bond between partners and is particularly helpful during the period of recovery and adjustment that follows the birth of a baby. It is gently supportive when there has been shock or trauma, or if other forms of touch are challenging.

Although it is possible to work on the floor it is easier and more comfortable for the person giving the “touch” if a bed or padded table is available. The treatment for an adult may take about thirty minutes. When working with children a fifteen to twenty minute session at bedtime is ideal.

Stroking:

delicate stroking with the hand in gentle contact with the body

Trembling:

the body part is lightly shaken with relaxed hands, like a fine quivering

Circling:

small circling movements on the skin so delicate they are pleasant even on your own closed eye lids

Stitching:

a wide, soft, pinching movement with forefinger and thumb using alternate hands

Before you begin to give the treatment, loosen your shoulders, arms, hands and fingers, by shaking. Now slow down and deepen your breathing. Always allow your hands to make contact very lightly, like a butterfly landing on a flower. Work from the midline to the periphery and from the head downwards. For a new born or premature baby, use only the tip of one or two fingers

Making a start with a new baby

tell the baby what you are about to do before you begin each move

long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the toes (x3)
long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the fingers (x3)

tiny circles with a finger tip lightly over the head

circling clockwise around the tummy, avoiding the umbilical area

gently stroking each hand and each finger

gently stroking each foot and each toe

“stitching” movements down the arms and legs

long strokes all the way from the top of the head to the toes (x3)
long strokes from top of the head down the arms to the fingertips (x3)

long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the toes (x3)
long strokes from the top of the head to the finger tips (x3)

stroking across the mid-back

“stitching” movements down the arms, over the back and legs

long strokes all the way from the top of the head to the toes (x3)
long strokes from top of the head down the arms to the fingertips (x3)

Say what you are about to do before you begin each new move. This is important if there may be shock or trauma held in the body.

long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the toes (x3)
long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the fingers (x3)

make small circles with the finger tips over as much of the head as you can reach

circle round the eyes starting under the middle of the eyebrows

stroke over the nose from the bridge sideways over the cheeks to the ears

stroke the back of the ears from above downwards in a semi-circle

make small circles over the chewing muscles

make single circles around the mouth

circle above and below the chin

stroke downward over the chin

stroke lightly over the throat as far back as can be reached

gently jiggle the muscles which turn the head

circle over the muscles at the back of the neck without lifting the head

long strokes from top of head down both arms to the fingertips (x3)

shake gently from the upper edge of the shoulder to the fingertips

stroke the hand from the outside, in an opening manner

lightly touch and stroke the palm of the hand

stroke down the thumb and each finger from base to tip

repeat with the other arm and hand

and complete with “stitching” movements down both arms (x3)

long strokes swiftly and lightly from top of head to the tip of the toes (x3)

stroke gently with one finger following the ribs from midline towards the back,

starting from collar bone and working down

shake the muscle in front of the armpit

stroke the belly clockwise in large circles with one hand, following the direction of the colon (do not touch the navel)

on the belly make tiny clockwise circles, following the path of the larger circle, as above

gently shake the belly wall in same pattern

stroke the bikini fold from middle to sides, follow with tiny circles

long strokes from the belly down the legs to the toes (x3)

include but do not accentuate the genitals

shake the thigh and lower leg

stroke the foot sole and top

make tiny circles over the sole of the foot with the tips of the fingers

starting with the big toe, stroke each toe from base to tip

repeat with the other leg and foot

and complete with “stitching” movement down each leg (x3)

long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the toes (x3)
long strokes from top of head to finger tips (x3)

long strokes from the top of the head to the tips of the toes (x3)

long strokes from the top of the head to the finger tips (x3)

stroke diagonally over the shoulder blades

trembling circles over the shoulder blades with finger tips

stroke the lumbar region, between ribs and buttocks, horizontally

make small circles with finger tips in the rib interspaces starting just below the shoulder blades and working from the spine round to the sides of the chest

small circles on the extensor muscles of the back, either side of the spinal column,

working from the upper back downward

stroke the buttocks diagonally from the midline down and outward, follow with shaky circles

long strokes from the buttocks down each leg to the toes (x3)

shake the back of thigh and calf, downwards

repeat on the other leg

“stitching” movements down the arms, over the back and legs (x3)

long strokes all the way from the top of the head to the toes (x3)

long strokes from top of the head down the arms to the fingertips (x3)

allow time for the baby to return to the world gradually,
to choose to make contact with you, or to rest.