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| Healing Children Creates Hope for our Future |
| Pediatric Massage Therapy Therapeutic massage has a profound healing effect on infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric massage differs from adult massage therapy in many ways: Infant massage is taught to parents. It is easy to learn and offers a natural way for parents to connect and bond. Teaching infant massage is as an art that comes from the heart. Lessons focus on Being Present and Aware through all states (crying, quiet alert, active alert, drowsy and sleeping) and stages of growth. Children and adolescents often ask for the massage therapist to give them their massage. When and if they are comfortable they have the option of having their parents learn. Children are the best instructors as they know what their like and dislikes. In this respect Pediatric Massage Therapy teaches and empowers children. Before each session they are reminded that they are "the Boss." A parent, guardian or referring clinician are present at all times. They serve a vital role. Through observation and/or participation they learn new ways to connect, communicate and assist their child. A variety of massage techniques may be used. Reflexology is a good starting point for many. Pressing and rubbing areas on the feet and hands elicits a healing response which reflexes to specific areas of the body. Although most clients ask for a back massage first, reflexology is a good option for shy clients. Emotions such as fear, anxiety and anger are stored in the body in the body. Tight muscles and knots are constant reminders of stress. NMT, neuromuscular technique employs light, sustained pressure with thumb or finger to reduce built-up knots and relieve symptoms of stress. Compression resets spindle fibers and effects pressure receptors which has a positive neurological effect. It is administered with a flat hand or fist and is applied with medium pressure in a rhythmical way. Kneading relaxes muscles and takes pressure off nerves. It involves lifting, grasping and releasing muscles. Percussion is stimulating at first; however, over time it can have a soothing effect. Using brief, rapid, rhythmic strokes increases circulation and tones the muscles. At the end of the session, children often report feeling a sense of peace like never before. They feel safer and more grounded. They also feel more "in touch" with their emotions and have a clearer mind. Just by being in the room witnessing their children heal, parents report experiencing these same feelings. As a child heals, the family heals. At the end of every session children and parents are taught simple self care techniques. Pediatric Energy Healing Since the body is composed of 99.9% energy, clearing and balancing energy is essential to healing. Children have unique, dynamic energy. Working with their energy is an art that comes from the heart. It's also involves a scientific approach drawing on the wisdom of modern and ancient wisdom. Pediatric Energy Healing offers a combination of many modalities including Polarity and Reiki. Therapists place their hands on or above the child using Intention and Visualization techniques sending Healing Energy. Once their energy is cleared and open, children are taught how to protect their Energy Field. Emotional Freedom Technique Emotional Freedom Technique is self care technique that combines hypnotherapy and acupressure. It is self-administered, easy to learn and may be used anytime by the client as needed. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to improve a child's psychological and physical well-being. It enhances their mood, lifts their spirits and soothes their bodies. Oils used in therapy may be used at home between sessions to elicit the same healing response experienced in therapy. Music Music is soothing and healing. Different sounds elicit specific healing responses. Music can send the mind healing images, the body healing vibrations and it renews the spirit. As with aromatherapy, the same music being played during therapy can be used between session to elicit the same healing response experienced in therapy. Breathing and Centering Proper breathing is essential to one's health especially during moments of stress. It promotes relaxation, focus and awareness. Yoga and Stretching Yoga poses, active stretching and integrative movement helps align the body, focus the mind and renew the spirit. Creative Visualization The brain thinks in images. Creative visualization helps create healing thoughts. When in a relaxed state the body readily accepts and assimilates healing thoughts and images. Healing thoughts create healing emotions. Cycling back, healing emotions creates healing thoughts. Time In Clients are taught how to take Time In in order to avoid the need for time outs. Time-In is self-initiated and directed. It is considerably more effective than time outs. Time-In empowers: time out alienates. Since the goal of Time In is to restore feelings of peace, knowing what peace feels like is essential. Teaching Time In at the end of a healing session is optimal. Integrating Play and Connection Children discover their world and establish healthy relationships through play. They also develop a sense of who they are through play. Play is the way they connect. Integrating play in healing sessions while a child feels safe and at peace can help re-establish feelings of personal safety and healthy connection. This is especially true for traumatized children. Self Care Self care is an important component in therapy. Any of the above techniques can be taught to children, parents and caregivers. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When a child becomes aware of their thoughts, feelings and emotions; feels grounded, empowered, and positive about themselves and their environment, something wonderful happens: living healthy, being healthy and making healthy choices comes naturally. |
| Finding a Practitioner A Holistic Pediatric Massage Therapist should have completed a Holistic Massage Therapy program from a reputable school and be licenced in the state where service is provided. It is equally important one has received specialized training and experience in working with infants, children and adolescents. The ability to communicate with children is key. Someone with a background in childcare, education, special education and/or crisis intervention is ideal. In choosing a practitioner the one opinion that matters most is your child's. Having an initial consultation is imperative. The interview should be child-centered and child-directed. Children have an innate sense about who they trust and what feels right. Consultations are usually brief. More often than not, children will ask to preview a session by "sampling" various techniques. Children should always have the final say on booking future sessions. |
| For more information: 207 522-7257 |