The Transformative Power of Massage and Touch Therapy for Children with Special Needs

The Jess Ngaheu Show

How can massage and touch therapy benefit children with special needs, and how can parents incorporate it into their daily routine?

In this episode of The Jess Ngaheu Podcast, Jess delves into the often overlooked yet deeply nurturing therapy of massage and touch therapy. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother and a massage therapist, Jess shares the profound impact this therapy has had on her son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and brain damage. She discusses the neurochemical, physical, and emotional benefits of massage for children with special needs and offers practical tips for parents to incorporate massage into their daily routines.

Key Takeaways:

• Neurochemical Benefits: Massage stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
• Brain Development: Massage can aid in brain plasticity, helping to stimulate and grow underdeveloped or impaired areas of the brain.
• Sensory Integration: Consistent massage can help children with sensory processing challenges by providing regular sensory input, improving their ability to process and respond to environmental stimuli.
• Emotional Regulation: Massage can help calm the nervous system, making it easier for children to manage emotions like anxiety, fear, and frustration.
• Physical Benefits: Regular massage can reduce muscle stiffness, improve flexibility, and enhance coordination and movement in children with special needs.
• Practical Techniques: Jess provides a step-by-step guide for parents to start massage at home, emphasizing the importance of creating a peaceful environment, using familiar oils or lotions, and starting with gentle strokes.

Quotes:

• “Massage is so underrated and very much overlooked, but it has the power to change the trajectory of your child’s life.”
• “The plasticity within the brain can be shaped and reformed. We don’t know the extent, but we have seen huge changes with massage.”
• “It can break your heart when your child is not able to handle emotional outbursts, but massage can help make it better for them and for you.”
• “Start small, even if it’s just 60 seconds a day. Consistency is key to rewiring and refiring the brain.”

To learn more about Maternal Grounding and to book Pregnancy Massage, Postpartum Massage, and Baby Massage, visit https://maternalgrounding.com.au/services/

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