It is common to hear about how getting a massage can be relaxing and beneficial for adults. If you are a parent, perhaps you have wondered if massage therapy is safe for children.
Just like adults, children also face pressures from school, friends, and family. Too much screen time and physical activities can also lead to body discomfort and sleep problems. Since kids spend most of their days in school, they don’t have much time to rest and relax. However, massage therapy in Ajax is an excellent solution for children to relieve stress and live a healthier life.
Massage is not just for relaxation—it comes with tangible benefits for your child’s overall health. It supports the physical and mental well-being of children, including infants.
Massage, a type of touch therapy, has been around for a long time in many parts of the world. People in ancient India, East Asia, and Africa started massaging babies soon after they were born. Daily massages help babies gain weight, move better, bond with their parents, and grow well. Massage also makes babies feel safe and loved.
In recent years, massage has become more popular for babies and children in Western cultures. It’s now used in places like Neonatal Intensive Care Units and with children who have developmental or neurological conditions.
Early in life, babies rely heavily on sensory and psychological experiences to thrive. Providing tactile stimulation through massage can greatly benefit their growth and overall well-being.
A 2004 study revealed that massage plays a significant role in promoting the development and weight gain of premature infants, while also helping to prevent other growth-related complications.
Children undergo significant physical changes as they grow, especially in their muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue. One major advantage of massaging kids is its effectiveness in addressing growing pains. Additionally, children face considerable academic pressure, whether they excel in school or find it challenging. The stress of sitting still, learning, and concentrating can be comparable to adults. Introducing children to massage early on establishes healthy habits for their future well-being.
Children are always active, especially if they play organized sports or have been injured. In such cases, their bodies face increased demands. Even though children’s bodies recover faster than adults’, they can still benefit from massage therapy to aid in healing and recovery.
Children often complain about tummy aches, which can worry parents. While gastroenteritis, overeating, or food intolerance are common causes, constipation is often the main culprit. Instead of just using laxatives or changing diet, many parents use massage therapy to ease stomach pains caused by digestive problems. A gentle tummy massage might calm colic in newborns and can also help with other digestive issues as kids grow. With guidance from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), parents can learn how to do the massage at home, possibly preventing a trip to the ER or a missed school day.
Anxiety and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequent reasons for children having trouble focusing. Massage therapy, known for its stress-relief benefits, has also shown promise in helping children with ADHD.
In a 2003 study, kids with ADHD who got massage therapy felt better about themselves and more at ease. Their teachers noticed they were better at tackling different tasks. And their parents saw big improvements in how they behaved.
Sleep is really important for kids to grow and develop well. But, nowadays, a lot of kids don’t get enough sleep. A 2015 study showed that nearly 40% of children either don’t get enough sleep or have trouble falling asleep (insomnia).
Massage therapy stabilizes sleep hormone levels to improve sleep quality. Giving your child a massage before bedtime can help them have a calm and restful night’s sleep. Good sleep enables the body to work its best, giving your child more energy and focus.
In a study from 2016, researchers found that babies who got massages for six weeks slept much better than babies who didn’t get massage therapy.
Massage therapy for Ajax kids has many psychological benefits, such as boosting confidence, improving posture, and teaching safe touch. It helps kids feel better about themselves and understand their bodies more. They can say what kind of massage they want and how much pressure they like. This helps them learn to speak up for themselves. Overall, massage is a good way for kids to feel more comfortable and confident.
Research has shown that children’s massage can significantly reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to feelings of anxiety and agitation. By inhibiting cortisol release, massage therapy naturally lifts your child’s mood, helping them feel more at ease.
Additionally, massage therapy stimulates the release of dopamine in your child’s bloodstream. Dopamine, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” promotes feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
In a 2012 study, researchers looked at how massage affects premature babies’ immune systems. They split 120 babies into two groups: one got massages for five days, and the other didn’t. Afterward, the babies who had massages had stronger immune systems, especially their NK cells, which fight infections.
Begin massaging your child when they’re about 6-8 weeks old. Start with short sessions, about 2-3 minutes long, focusing on their legs, arms, back, and tummy.
As your child grows, you can gradually increase the massage time. At 2-4 months, aim for 5-10 minute massages as part of their bedtime routine.
Between 4-10 months, 10-15 minute massages are ideal. You can include them during naptime and bedtime.
When your child becomes a toddler, keep the sessions brief, no more than 5-10 minutes. Make it an enjoyable bonding activity for both of you.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of massage therapy in Ajax for your child, consider reaching out to PARC of Ontario. Our team of registered massage therapists (RMTs) is dedicated to providing compassionate care that supports children’s health and happiness. Call us at (905) 579-9938 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment today.
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