child massage
Massage is beneficial to almost anyone, but children in particular have an essential need for touch. Touch stimulates our brains in many ways, most noticeably in our limbic cortex, which is the area of the brain that allows us to generate emotions and to make connection with others. In children, touch not only furthers growth and development, it is biologically necessary for survival, and can be a source of healing and healthy development.
The Benefits of Starting Young
Sleeping through the night may not seem like a big feat for most, but for children, this full night’s rest can aid in the healing process and create the optimal time for the largest percentage of their healthy growth to take place. Pediatric massage has been found to have many benefits, including aiding children in falling asleep quicker, sleeping deeper and for longer periods of time.
Research has suggested that massage therapy can ease both physical symptoms and those associated with pediatric medical conditions. Studies have shown that pain, anxiety and depression can be minimized after massage. This gentle touch therapy also provides relief from chronic conditions such as asthma, nausea, constipation and muscle aches.
Immediately after receiving massage, children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis notice decreased anxiety and stress hormone levels. For children with autism spectrum disorders--those who have difficulties with verbal language acquisition, eye-contact and tactile aversions--evidence suggests that the application of touch therapy may be very effective. After massage, children appear to relax more quickly and focus with greater success.
An Increased Need in Pediatric Massage
Providing touch therapy is within the scope of practice of many health care providers including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. However, massage is not frequently provided by these practitioners because of time constraints or lack of comfort with providing massage therapy.
Not all healthcare facilities have the services of those trained in pediatric massage. There is an increasing need for more practitioners with specialized experience in pediatric massage therapy.
Inside the Healthcare Setting
Massage therapy can enhance a child’s hospital experience and allow for healing. It can provide comfort for families as no other procedures will occur during a massage.
The number of children receiving a variety of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is growing internationally, as more healthcare practitioners become educated in the area, and parents read the research findings advocating for these services. Children benefit from the unique combination of Western medicine, Eastern medicine and the addition of CAM.
For the healthcare professional inspired to practice pediatric massage, there are many considerations to prepare for when providing age-specific and developmentally appropriate therapy. Further training is required to feel fully confident providing pediatric massage.
At Home
Parents can learn at-home massage techniques that may impact their child’s health. An understanding of specific techniques can provide a valuable resource when your child has growing pains, exam anxiety or difficulty falling asleep at night.
You can find a step by step guide to massaging your child at www.liddlekidz.com but here are the basic steps:
1. Relax, take your time and always ask permission.
2. Massage over clothing without any oil or under clothing with a small amount of oil, warmed in your hands.
3. Move from child’s hip to foot, stroking slowly with very little pressure.
4. Stomach massage to help with colic, gas and constipation (not after eating!) should be done in slow, clockwise motions.
5. Stroke child’s back, starting at the shoulders, over butt and down the legs, showing extra care not to put any pressure on her spine.