An Indian Washing the Baby

1906

India 's cleanest child enjoys an enthusiastic wash and Ayurvedic massage. Baby massage might only recently have made it big in North London, but it has a very long tradition in India . Just after birth the baby is massaged with a dough ball dipped in almond oil to expel toxins, aid digestion and improve circulation. Massage with the hands begins when the baby is one month old and can continue for over 18 months, ensuring that the baby's limbs are supple and skin is soft. Traditionally, the baby would be massaged on its mother's legs, as seen in this film.