pediatric massage and bodywork
"What is done to children, they will do to society."~Karl Menninger
massage is often overlooked as an effective preventative medicine as well as a normal part of healthy living.
Truth is, many different countries and tribes have relied on it's ability to bring relief to common childhood ailments as well as to boost the body's own healing mechanism known as the immune system.
Babies and children that receive regular massage throughout childhood reportedly have:
- lower stress levels
- stronger immune systems
- deeper sleep
- regular elimination
- healthier self esteem
- stronger relationships
- increased neurological and cognitive functions
- calmer dispositions
- less anxiety
- less aches and pains
- and often carry on massage to their friends and own children
I use a variety of modalities in treating children: Swedish, Indian, Tui na, Craniosacral Therapy, Neurodevelopmental and Rhythmic Movement and Yoga.
Massage is a safe and natural therapy for children of all sizes and ages, including the preterm infant as well as the special needs child. Studies have shown that a preterm infant receiving three 15 minute massages everyday while in the NICU, will gain weight 40% faster and be released from the hospital 10 days sooner than a non massaged infant. Massaged babies in the NICU have a significant decrease of respiratory distress, apnea and bradycardia. Those statistics alone show the power of human touch and infant massage!
I have studied at Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami in Florida with Dr. Tiffany Field and her team of researchers. I teach and perform the massage protocol from TRI.
The focus is primarily encouraging the mother, father and other family members to begin using massage with the child as often and as early as possible, by instructing them in the art of massage. While the preterm or special needs child may need more of a hands on approach with the Therapist, to assist in their growth and development and ensure the family's confidence in their ability to provide massage safely and effectively.
Each family is unique in their circumstances and children tend to prefer the comfortable environment of home. It is recommended that your child be treated in the comfort of your home although not a requirement for treatment at your request.
