Children and Massage
I was back in Maryland for Thanksgiving, and I got a chance to give my 8-year-old niece a massage. What a great experience for me! And I hope for her, too.
I started like I start many massages-with her face-down, and massaging her back first. She especially loved the long (effleuroge) Swedish strokes, which are always incredibly relaxing. She also liked the more specific work I did on her shoulders. Poor little thing actually had some tension in there! It starts young, my friends. This is why it takes so darn long for those knots to go away, they’ve been building up a long time!
I then moved on to the legs and feet. I’m always amazed that I can massage kids here, and they aren’t as ticklish as I’d think. I suppose that they are so relaxed, those instincts don’t kick in. My niece also loved when I massaged her hands-I just find that so adorable! Kids have to do a lot of writing, I’m sure that this is a part of it. (If I have to do a lot of writing now, my hand gets really crampy)
There is an article from Body Sense Magazine, 2003, titled “Children and Massage”. One line that struck me is, “The ancient practice of massage [for children] can convey a comforting sense of security and trust.” Don’t all children need this, as much as possible? It’s a scary world out there! To be with adults that they trust, and are truly trustworthy, is priceless. Our sense of touch is so incredibly important-the article points out that infants who are not touched in a soothing and safe way do not thrive like other infants. Safe touch is comforting, relaxing, and a crucial part of the human experience!
It was an incredible way for me to bond with my niece. Give your children a massage today! Rub their backs when they go to bed, massage their hands and feet while they are watching T.V. Maybe they will return the favor.
Are you ready to book your Ashiatsu Massage today? It has been touted at “The deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet”! Do you live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or plan to travel here soon? Call Lori at (970) 846-2346, or email lori@emeraldmoonmassage.com.
Filed under: Uncategorized on December 13th, 2011