One of the most fascinating things about massage is that it is not restricted to people of a certain age. Anyone, regardless of age and gender, can take advantage of the benefits of massage therapy. Although this practice is generally used by adults, parents of newborn babies and young children are also joining the ranks. These parents actively seek this form of alternative therapy to ensure a proper education for their loved ones.
The techniques for alternative massage therapy are generally the same for babies and children alike. However, the difference lies in the correct management and also in the magnitude of the benefits they provide to children of different ages.
Alternative massage therapy for babies
Baby massages demand extreme care and attention as they have a direct impact on the human brain. There are a myriad of benefits to this specialized form of touch. Baby massages are helpful in enhancing a baby’s physical, emotional, mental, and social development. They create a strong bond between parents and children as the baby is exposed to the sensation of gentle touch. Also, it is very effective in helping premature babies gain weight. It improves motor development in babies exposed to cocaine and facilitates respiratory function in babies with asthma. These babies show positive gains in behavior and a decrease in the anxiety and stress hormone cortisol after massage treatment.
Babies tend to cry a lot, as it is their only way of expressing themselves during early childhood. A gentle massage can soothe a crying baby and also relieve colic, circulatory and digestive ailments. Plus, it helps new parents feel comfortable with their child, making it a win-win situation. A thirty minute massage session for the baby should be part of every parent’s daily routine.
Alternative massage therapy for children
Pediatric massage differs from babies in many ways and offers numerous benefits. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a rapidly increasing psychiatric disorder among children. A general estimate places between 3 and 7% of all school-age children and adolescents as ADHD patients. Studies have shown that massage therapy is an effective tool to counteract this disorder. A recent study revealed that teens who received 10 to 15 minutes of daily alternative massage therapy showed better concentration and less fatigue. They also rated themselves happier and showed noticeable signs of positive mood.
Long-term benefits of alternative therapy
Another long-term benefit of pediatric massage therapy is that it thwarts any potential problems the child may encounter during adult life. Marybetts Sinclair, one of the pioneers in pediatric massage, is a massage therapist and writes about her own experiences working with adults. He noted that many adults experiencing problems could have been effectively treated with massage therapy during their childhood.
Trigger points of childhood injuries can cause muscle pain and stiffness in adult life. A birth injury that never healed could, in turn, cause structural problems. Some children go through emotional trauma that, if left untreated, follows them into adult life. All of this, according to Sinclair, can be prevented by alternative massage therapy.
The best part about alternative massage therapy is that it is a completely natural solution to numerous problems and does not require the use of any prescription drugs or medications. It is 100% safe and has no adverse side effects of any kind, making it ideal for children of all ages.