Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapy

Dr. Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami, Department of Medicine pioneered research in massage therapy for infants, children and adolescents. She discovered that neonates receiving regular massage gained 47% more weight than those receiving no massage. (Both groups were fed the same amount of formula.) Also, the ones receiving massage were discharged from the hospital an average of six days earlier. Remarkable results were also found with normal infants. Massaged infants showed less stress, were more alert, were easier to soothe and had better sleep patterns. Stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine significantly decreased. Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and appetite) significantly increased with massage therapy. (Low levels of serotonin are associated with many disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and sudden infant death syndrome. Cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin are often targeted in drug therapy.)Statistics for children and adolescents were equally compelling. Symptoms of ADD and ADHD (a frequently diagnosed disorder in school-age children) significantly diminished. After receiving a 15 minute massage for 10 consecutive school days, the percentage of time on task increased from 43% to 77%. Scores on the Conner’s Scale (a frequently used assessment for diagnosis) decreased from 28.0 to 11.3. Dr. Field remarked, “…adolescents were less depressed and less anxious than they had been and their stress hormones (cortisol and norepinephrine) had decreased. They also developed better organized sleep patterns and showed more appropriate behavior after massage therapy. Long term effects reported by teachers included more time on task and lower Conners Hyperactivity scores.In another study, computation time and accuracy were positively effected by therapeutic massage. After only one 15 minute massage, student’s accuracy increased from an average of 69% to 89% and time of completion decreased from 250 seconds to 234 seconds. Cortisol and state anxiety levels significantly dropped. Depressed children showed short-term and long-term gains from massage therapy. They were observed as more cooperative, less depressed and less anxious. In addition, sleep patterns significantly improved; time asleep increased from 79.7% to 91.3%. Children with PTSD showed a significant reduction in depression; from 28 to 16 on the CESD Depression scale. Therapeutic massage also works for immune disorders. Children with cancer showed significant improvement on all blood count measures including white and red blood count, platelet count and hemoglobin level. Also, they were found to be significantly less tactile defensive and less depressed. Many other conditions were positively effected my massage therapy including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, asthma, migraine headaches, dermatitis, bulimia, anorexia, and more.PracticeTherapeutic massage for infants, children and adolescents differs from adult therapy in many ways: Infant massage is usually taught to parents/guardians and is easy to learn. Massage offers a natural way to connect and bond. Infant massage is taught as an art that comes from the heart and is simply administered with hands. The most important lesson is how to connect, be aware and present through all states (crying, quiet alert, active alert, drowsy and sleeping) and stages of growth. With children and adolescents, direct instruction may be given to the parent or guardian; however, the older the child, the more common it is to have the therapist perform the massage. The parent/guardian is present at all times and serves a vital role. Through observation and/or participation they learn new ways to connect, communicate and assist their child in the future. Children should always feel empowered telling them that they are in charge. Parents, guardians and therapist are in control; their role is to guide and assure that the child feels safe and comfortable at all times. The founding principle of HPMT is: feeling comfort, peace and ease eliminates dis-ease; quieting the mind to a state of stillness heals illness. Perhaps the greatest benefit of HPMT is that it presents a unique opportunity for children, parents and guardians to feel empowered and confident while learning about safe and nurturing touch. A variety of techniques may be used for children and adolescents. Reflexology is often a good starting point for many. Pressing and rubbing areas on the feet and hands elicits a healing response which reflexes to specific areas of the body. This technique may feel safer for shy clients. It can also be a useful method of assessment. Emotions such as fear, anxiety and anger are reflected throughout the body as tight muscles and are sometimes stored there as knots. NMT – neuromuscular technique employs light, sustained pressure with thumb or finger which reduces built-up knots and relieves the symptoms of stress. Compression resets spindle fibers and effects pressure receptors which has a positive neurological effect. It is administered with a flat hand or fist and is applied with medium pressure in a rhythmical way. Kneading relaxes muscles and takes pressure off nerves. It involves lifting, grasping and releasing muscles. Percussion is stimulating at first; however, over time it can have a soothing effect. Using brief, rapid, rhythmic strokes increases circulation and tones the muscles.At the end of the session, children often report feeling a sense of peace and ease. For some this is a first! They usually feel safer, more grounded and more in touch with themselves and their environment. Parents also report experiencing these same feelings. As the child heals, the family heals.Other holistic techniques other than massage therapy may be included to enhance each session or they may be used exclusively. Clients can be taught many of these techniques to use between sessions to bring back feelings of peace when needed. Some of these techniques may include: Reiki is a simple, yet powerful form of healing which means Universal Life Energy. During a session the Reiki practitioner simply sends healing energy by putting his/her hands on or slightly above the client’s body. Reiki is easy to learn especially for children who have an innate sense of healing energy. Reiki may be administered to ones self or others. Polarity Therapy is a more precise form of energy healing that balances and revitalizes ones energy field. It was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, a chiropractor who combined the wisdom of acupressure, chiropractic, Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of healing. The practitioner uses light pressure on meridian points to open and clear energy pathways, gently massages shoulders and feet, and clears chakras and auras through Intention using crystals. EFT- Emotional Freedom Technique combines techniques used in hypnotherapy and acupressure. It works with the body’s bioenergy systems. While reciting positive affirmations, the client is taught to tap certain meridian points which alleviates, and sometimes eliminates, emotional distress. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve client’s psychological and physical well-being. The essence of these healing oils easily penetrates the olfactory membranes in the nose sending nerve impulses to the brain which ultimately affects the amygdala, the memory center for fear and trauma. Music is typically played during sessions. It is soothing and healing during therapy and can played between sessions which elicit the same effect. Yoga helps align the body, focus the mind and renew the spirit. Sometimes children like to get into child’s pose or other poses while receiving massage therapy to enhance its effect. Creative visualization creates healthy thoughts and in turn, healthy emotions. Creative visualization along with breathing and centering exercises is fundamental for teaching a child how to take “Time-In.” This helps them alleviate the need for a “time out.” Time In empowers; time out alienates. Choosing a PractitionerThe first thing to look for in a Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapist is completion of a reputable program and license to practice in the state where service is provided. Of equal importance, though, is specialized training along with extensive and successful experience working with children. The ability to communicate with children is key. In this respect, someone with a background in childcare, education, special education and/or crisis intervention is ideal. The qualifying opinion that matters most, though, is your child’s. For this reason, an initial consultation that is child-centered and child-directed is critical. Children have an innate sense about who and what feels right and may help them. The interview process is usually brief. More often than not, children will ask to preview a session by “sampling” various techniques. The child has final approval on whether or not to book a future session.TestimonialsParents, caregivers, therapists and doctors have seen the benefits of Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapy. It is safe, effective and educates for a lifetime. Parent comments include…“I have never seen him so calm. After only 15 minutes he almost fell asleep!”“For the first time he has been able to face his nightmares… He really looks forward to (his sessions).”“She is doing better in school and feels better about herself.”