Benefits for Preschool and School age group

PRESCHOOL and SCHOOL children -  have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. 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.

For TEENS struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years.  

PubMed: nccam.nih.gov/