Massage Series Part 3 of 6: Benefits of Massage for Teenagers

Adolesence is one of the most turbulent stages of our lives. During this dynamic period, teenagers are often self-conscious and shy of their bodies as they transition from being a child to an adult, requiring education and feedback to build self-esteem.  While teens may be reluctant to get or give a massage, there are plenty of reasons why this age group should be encouraged to give it a try.

Massage during the teen years helps a young adult understand and accept healthy nurturing touch, manage stress, reduce the impact of emotional/hormonal transitions, relieve muscle tension, improve immune function, experience heightened concentration, and improve sleep and study patterns.  Actually, massage at any age results in many of those same benefits…but for teens there is an added payback!

TEENAGE TRANSITIONS

The teenage body is in the midst of transformation -- exponential growth and development in a rapid period of time.  On the physical side, teens may be at increased risk for aches, pains, and injury.  Many teens strain their bodies with competitive sports, get erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal diet.  Massage can help muscles recover from overuse, and help balance the body and maintain that stability.  This bodywork has also been proven to help mediate eating disorders, a growing concern among teens.  

IMPROVED BODY IMAGE

Bombarded by messages from the media, peers and even their parents about their bodies, adolescents can be confused about healthy body images. Home massage takes the focus away from how they look and teaches them the importance of being aware of how their body feels.  Even as a teen’s body changes in awkward ways massage helps teens stay grounded and connected to their bodies.

STRESS

Hormonal pressures, parental expectations, peer pressure and overloaded schedules create stress for teenagers. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Home massage can be invaluable for teenagers to reduce stress & anxiety, lift depression and relax their mind, body and spirit.

CONNECTING WITH YOUR TEEN

Adolescents crave intimacy but often look for it in the wrong places. If they experience touch in the home through the natural connection of massage, they are not as likely to seek dangerous and unhealthy avenues for emotional and physical contact.

Class Time Change for 3-6 year olds!

Beginning Tuesday, October 16, 2012 the Tues/Thur 3-6 year old class @ Bliss Yoga Shala (1615 Thacker Avenue, Jacksonville, FL) will move from 11-12 to 3:00pm-3:55pm!  Hoping this change will accommodate ½ day preschoolers and more home school children!  Also, the 7-12 year old class will now begin at 4:05pm, instead of 4.  Spread the word J

Massage Series Part 2 of 6: Benefits of Massage for Children

In the first part to this six part series on massage I focused on the benefits that infants enjoy as a result of regular massage.  This second part looks at why it is important to massage children who are no longer infants. 

Our lifestyles today are largely lacking in quality family time and as a result we are touching each other less.  The ancient practice of massage can serve to reaffirm a close bond with each other, including our children, and to convey a comforting sense of security and trust.

Every child, no matter the age, should be massaged on a regular basis.  Ultimately, it is best to develop a daily routine, probably at bedtime, that includes 15-minute massage. 

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans. It is essential to our health and well-being.  Children who learn healthy views of touch and are provided with positive tactile experience by their caregivers are more likely to grow up to be adults with healthy self-esteem, a sense of appropriate boundaries and long-lasting intimate relationships.

Massage is a wonderful stress-buster for children.  Though we often think of adults when we hear the word ‘stress,’ there are many situations in which children experience stress as well: starting school for the first time; going to a new school; death of a relative; financial problems in the home; parents fighting; even vacation!  During emotional upsets massage can soothe children.  It can also relieve the discomforts of illness.  In fact, when stress is reduced stress hormones are also reduced, which in turn allows the immune system to bounce back and work effectively.  Massage can help ease the pain of tension headaches and muscle aches or cramps. 

Children who are massaged regularly also exhibit healthier behavior.  They are happier, calmer, more relaxed, and maintain a better mood!  Children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or hyperactivity who receive massage often concentrate better, cry less, and sleep better. 

With infants, a gentle gliding stroke is applied to the body, but as the child grows older, the massage may become more sophisticated to include work on the feet, fingers and toes, and use of more extensive types of strokes and techniques.  At this age the child will still be comfortable receiving massages from their caregiver. 

My next post will focus on massage for teenagers…who often prefer to be massaged by a therapist, as oppose to a caregiver.