Our Story & Founder’s Vision | History of IAIM Singapore

Tracing our roots from an Indian orphanage to a worldwide movement for family bonding.

The Vision of Vimala McClure

A Global Legacy of Nurturing Touch

The story of IAIM begins in the early 1970s with Vimala McClure, who witnessed the profound impact of traditional massage while working at an orphanage in Northern India. Despite extreme poverty, she observed that infants were happy, relaxed, and deeply connected to their caregivers through the daily ritual of nurturing touch. Deeply moved by this intuitive physical connection, Vimala returned home on a mission to bring these practices to the West, believing that a parent’s touch is the most powerful tool for early emotional development.

To create the official IAIM curriculum, Vimala expertly blended the traditional Indian techniques she observed with Swedish massage for circulation, reflexology for physical concerns, and gentle yoga for mindful presence. In 1986, she co-founded the International Association of Infant Massage to ensure the integrity of these teachings. Today, IAIM Singapore carries this torch, continuing her legacy of fostering a world where every child is held, respected, and loved through the life-changing art of infant massage.

Ancient Traditions Reimagined

Our curriculum synthesises time-honoured Indian massage with Swedish techniques, reflexology, and yoga. This unique blend provides a holistic approach to infant wellness, ensuring that ancient wisdom is effectively adapted for the modern Western parenting experience.

Evidence-Based Family Support

Founded on rigorous research, our five-week programme empowers parents to understand their baby’s unique cues. We offer professional certification and mentoring, ensuring every instructor maintains the high standards of quality and integrity established by Vimala.

Universal Compassionate Connection

We envision a society where every infant is loved, valued, and respected. By promoting nurturing touch, we build a foundation for more compassionate communities, fostering deep emotional bonds that last far beyond the early years.