Healing touch for children
Our modern world is full of demands, choices and expectations - and children from as young as four years old are faced with concerns over appearance, homework, peer pressure and sibling rivalry. It’s no surprise that so many children these days suffer from stress and related symptoms both at home and at school.
This is exactly why the Massage in Schools Programme is such an important and exciting initiative with schools and childcare services around the UK and abroad encouraging peer massage for 4-12 year olds to help learning and develop social and emotional skills within a safe environment.
The benefits of a fun, daily 10-15 minute massage session include improved concentration and memory and increased self-esteem. Schools who are involved in the programme report a significant reduction in bullying. As one child said: "Since starting the massage I don’t get bullied because I am friendlier."
Children are also empowered to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touch. For more information and training possibilities on the programme go to www.misa.org.uk (tel: 020 8681 1900).
You may also enjoy reading about the benefits and simple massage and reflexology techniques to use in the home in Healing Touch for Children (Gaia Books, 2009) by Mary Atkinson. www.maryatkinson.org.uk
ARTICLES
Complementary therapies for people with cancer