The benefits of Thai massage for adults have been known for almost 2,500 years, from the time of the Buddha, when it first came into existence. The stresses, pressures and unhealthy aspects of modern life have combined to make it one of the most effective and popular forms of relaxation, healing and rejuvenation.
What many parents do not realize is that massage is equally beneficial for their children. A great deal of research as reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine to name a few highly reputed publications, say that massage therapy for children offers a number of physiological and also psychological benefits. The technique, intensity and duration of a Thai massage for children differs from that given to an adult. A qualified therapist will know what needs to be done and how to do it.
The Appropriate Age Group
Because of its gentle nature, Thai massage is especially good for children. Generally speaking, any child between the ages of 5 to 15 can get a Thai child massage. Growing up today is a stressful experience and school, homework, peer pressure, relationships and unstable hormones all contribute to stress. Thai massage provides a calming and soothing touch that reduces anxiety and increases relaxation. Because their bodies are still developing, the treatment of strains and injuries in children requires special care. Here too, Thai massage can help in the healing process.
The Benefits
The obvious benefit is that the child will feel calm relaxed and destressed after the massage. Besides this, it can also help in treating:
- Hyperactivity
- Fatigue and inability to pay attention
- Uneasy or troubled sleep
- Developmental delays
It can also:
- Lower anxiety
- Enhance self esteem
- Increase flexibility
- Improve muscle tone
- Reduce pain
Maintaining hormonal balance is important for all ages, but especially so for teenagers who suffer from imbalances that result in mood swings and other troubling and difficult behavior. It can also affect them physically. Thai massage can help these children to regain a healthy hormonal balance.
If you are a parent who would like your children to enjoy the all-round benefits of a Thai massage, there is no need to hesitate. The only thing you need to ensure is that you take the children to a professionally managed spa or massage center that is staffed and run by qualified personnel. Ideally there should be a Certified Massage Therapist. While the benefits are many and the children will certainly enjoy the experience, you should only entrust your child to a therapist with certification from National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCBTMB). After all, you want only the best for them, right?