Massage Therapy for Children and Babies
Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. It was practiced in the Middle and Far East over 5,000 years ago. Physicians in ancient Greece were also skilled in the art of massage. In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates, wrote that ‘the way to health is to have a scented bath and an oiled massage each day.’
Massage, even in its simplest forms, has an enormously beneficial influence on both emotional and physical well-being. Nothing is as comforting and reassuring as the sympathetic touch of a hand.
In the early years touch seems to playa vital role in the healthy development of babies and young children. Those who look after premature babies have noted that the ones who are gently stroked are more likely to thrive than those deprived of touch. In one hospital study, babies in incubators developed their lung capacity much more quickly if they were touched or stroked by their parents than did those who were handled only by the nurses or left alone.
A child who is cuddled and stroked grows up feeling loved and secure. Massage works in much the same way, and is a marvellous tool for enhancing empathy and strengthening the bond between parent and child, and building up the child’s feelings of confidence and self-esteem. Young children need masses of attention; a massage can be an opportunity for you to devote your full attention and affection to your child, something both of you can look forward when made into part of a daily or weekly routine.
As well as relieving tensions, massage helps to restore a sense of calm and balance, especially after any shock or trauma. Children are particularly susceptible to stress, perhaps more so than adults because everything is new and life is constantly changing.
A regular body massage also enhances physical health and vitality. Stroking relaxes and tones the muscles, promotes healthy blood circulation and stimulates lymphatic drainage to ensure swift removal of wastes from the body. It is good for the skin, especially when vegetable oils such as sweet almond, grapeseed, avocado and sunflower are used (individually or as a base oil for essential oils).
Gently massaging specific areas can ease colic, relieve headaches and treat insomnia. Massage will also speed recovery after an illness and is a valuable aid to convalescence.