At Be. Massage we massage children as well as adults. Children
have as many reasons to need massage as adults do. These can include
pains from excess bicycling or soccer playing, too much exercising
with too little stretching, or too much stress. Massage for children
can either be done with the parents present or not. Children will
always be asked if they want the massage, and will not be massaged
if they do not want it. Usually, massage for children is no longer
than ½ hour.
In addition to directly massaging the children, Betsy Webb will
do workshops to teach parents to massage their own children. This
can be a great family experience, as well as helping children with
their many physical aches and pains.
Julie Kells and Betsy Webb on Breakfast Television, April 2008
Workshop for Day Care Teachers and Elementary School Teachers
on Child Massage
Massage for Children: Massage can be wonderful
for most people, and children are no exception. Touch is very important
to human development, and research studies show that respectful
touch has the following benefits (amongst many others).
Helps preschool children with behavior problems adapt socially
Helps reduce anxiety and cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
Helps children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
focus better
Helps adolescents become less aggressive
Helps children with asthma improve pulmonary function
Helps children with autism with on-task behavior
Workshop Description: 2 sessions of 2 hours
Presentation of research on massage and children
Discussion of encouraging self-respect though consent, responsive
care-giving
Practical work – infant massage with songs and movement
Contraindications to massage
Practical work – massage for older children, reclining,
seated, with stories
Handouts – strokes, songs, contraindications, information
for parents
