Massage Therapy for Kids

Posted: January 28th, 2013

When people typically think about the normal massage therapy client, they think about an older person. Perhaps, someone with back or muscle difficulty. You don't normally picture children getting a massage therapy procedure done. However, more children are getting massages, and there are practical benefits for doing so.

Increased nervous system

Some studies from the TRI show that babies who are given frequent massages usually develop faster and healthier than babies who are not given massages. Massage therapy can stimulate the nervous system and jump start the immune system. This helps promote healthy activity and improved healing.

Stress reduction

Infants, toddlers and children all undergo stress in the same ways that adults do. Though their stress triggers may be different, the effects are the same. When our body is stressed, cortisol is released and it destroys immune system functions. Primarily, cortisol attacks the cells that keep the immune system healthy. Alternatively, if our body and mind is not under stress, the immune system can recover and do its job efficiently.

Bonding

Parents are also encouraged to give their children massages. It helps create a stronger bond. Other studies show that children who are frequently touched show a stronger bond with their parents, better behavior, better health and overall exhibit a happier life. Children need touch like they need food and water. Even adults who go long periods of time without human interaction can start feeling ill and depressed. Of course, teenagers may not want their parents touching them, but it is still important they regularly receive massages.