INFANT massage has been handed down from generation to generation and has its roots in many ancient cultures.
For example, it has been practised in India for centuries as part of the traditional Ayurvedic medicine system.
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In Africa, Asia and indigenous communities worldwide, caregivers have used touch as a way to soothe and communicate with infants. The age-old techniques of Indian and Swedish massage and reflexology are used on infants today with modern scientific research supporting its benefits.
Massage therapy can also assist with young children who have ADHD. As October is ADHD Awareness Month, Candice Moodeliar, a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI-Aus) from Westville, spoke to Caxton Local Media about the correlation between massage therapy and children who have ADHD.
“Parenting trends are favouring natural approaches. An increased access to information and resources, together with social media, is creating a growing cultural awareness. Fast forward to the new generation of parents and the more fast-paced lifestyle, with both parents working and not able to spend much time with their spouses or kids, increases the need for this one-on-one bonding time which is crucial for both the parents as well as the infant.
“Other added benefits are: reducing stress and colic symptoms, improving sleep patterns as well as enhancing cognitive and motor development,” said Moodeliar.
“ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition; research has shown that it’s deeply rooted in genetics and brain biology. Beyond being a therapeutic tool, these massage techniques can serve as an early positive intervention even before an official ADHD diagnosis, offering families valuable support during a critical developmental stage. These massage techniques should only be taught by a CIMI (Certified Infant Massage Instructor) to ensure that the baby is receiving the correct massage and is reaping maximum benefits in the way they are being massaged,” she said.
The benefits of paediatric massage for children with ADHD:
· Stress Reduction: ADHD can lead to heightened stress levels in both children and parents. Paediatric massage helps alleviate stress, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
· Enhanced Focus: Massage techniques can help children improve their ability to focus and concentrate, an area where ADHD often presents challenges.
· Improved Sleep Patterns: Sleep problems are common in children with ADHD. Regular massage can help improve sleep quality, leading to more restful nights for both children and parents.
· Emotional Connection: The bonding experience that comes with parent-child massage can strengthen the emotional connection between parents and their children. This closeness can have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem and overall emotional health.
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