Children are Learning Massage in Primary Schools

KatePigeon-Owen talks about how the Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) istaking off in a big way in the UK and internationally, describing whyparents and teachers are so enthusiastic.

Whenwe spend more than 16 billion pounds a year on dealing with stressrelated illnesses in the UK do we not have to become pro-active ineducating children about their bodies and looking after themselves?

Iam a massage therapist specialising in stress management. For years Ihave spoken to my clients about recognising the signs of stress andlooking after ourselves before we become ill. I massaged my childrenfrom birth now 9 and 12 years old and notice how they know instantlywhen life is being stressful and ask for a massage.

I am anenthusiastic member of the International Association of Infant Massagewhere mothers and fathers are taught, by qualified instructors, how tomassage and bond with their babies. This idea is so contagious that theIAIM operates in 49 countries! However, no parent who has seen theincredible change in their relationship with their children or theirlevel of self confidence wants it to stop there!

In 2000 MiaElmsater and Sylvie Hetu ( both IAIM trainers and have worked ineducation for many years) launched the Massage In Schools Programme TM.When I read about this I knew this was a great way forward to helpwhole communities become less stressed and become more self sufficient.A whole school approach can indeed become a whole community approach toreducing stress!

Let me explain, if we start early enough ourwhole attitude to stress can be changed. If we see that our bodies arecommunicating to us, i.e. you need to sleep more, relax more, get amassage etc, we become empowered by this knowledge not discouraged. Theschools that did the MISP prior to the SATS tests reported a loweringin stress as a result. When we are massaged or give a massage our levelof the hormone Oxytocin increases and this helps us relax and alsohelps to improve our concentration ñ a double whammy and very useful inschools! Pioneering researcher Doctor Kerstin Uvnas Moberg has writtenan excellent book The Oxytocin Factor’ for those who would like toknow more about this.

The research by Dr Tiffany Fields of theTouch Research Institute of Miami School of Medicine also helps usunderstand the potential of this Programme. Touch is critical forchildren’s growth, development and health, as well as for adult’sphysical and well being.’.

Self esteem increases if we canarticulate our needs. Teaching life skills is surely the job of oureducation system …this idea is becoming contagious and authoritiesare catching on:-.

At the Massage in Schools Anti-BullyingConference Roger Brown, Ofsted Inspector said: ‘If you have a childleaving school with high self-esteem, then the education system hasachieved its greatest goal. The Massage In Schools Programme helps withthis objective.’

For more information please visit their website.

www​.childways​.co​.uk