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.