Childhood Stressors: One Powerful Tool That Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

In recent years, I have noticed an increase in children with symptoms related to stress.

One cause of this is the increase in their toxic load of heavy metals and viruses that have been passed down from generation to generation. Other causes include things like lack of sleep, processed food, major life changes like a new sibling or move to a new house, over scheduled lifestyle, dehydration, loud noises, new environments, lack of movement, lack of outdoor time, having the news on while your child is present, financial struggles, adult conversation in front of your child, rushed development, not being respected, not being heard or understood.

These stressors can cause symptoms such as:

One powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety is through massage. You can incorporate the benfits of massage with massage stories. Children LOVE these! I do these massage techniques for my 6 year old and he absolutely LOVES it! He doesn’t want me to stop. It’s a great incentive for getting him to go to bed at night. If I offer it to him, he jumps right into bed. And sometimes he even initiates it and asks me for a massage. It’s calming and soothing for them after a stressful day at school or daycare. It coats them with safe, loving feelings.

Positive touch through storytelling can be enjoyed by individuals fo all ages and abilities. We all love stories. When combined with the benefits of simple massage strokes, stories present wonderful opportunities for creative fun and interactions.

Pediatric Massage

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that positive touch has more power than we could ever imagine. It reduces stress by decreasing cortisol and increasing serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin which leads to the ability to regulate emotions. It is an important tool for communicating to a child. It has a powerful impact on children’s emotional and physical development. Touch can help build a secure bond between parent and child. It organizes the nervous system, fosters feelings of love, respect, and being valued. It can stimulate the immune system, improve sleep, memory, focus and concentration. It provides an opportunity for children to experience dedicated “calming time”. It can reduce aggressive and hyperactive behavior as well as increase self-awareness and self-esteem. It also provides individual attention that enhances a child’s awareness of being valued, and brings a sense of self-worth. It’s a fun way for families and friends to share time together and connect with each other. Physical touch is an invaluable tool for helping to raise healthy and happy children. It is a gift of love.

Massage for children is different in many ways then massage for adults.

• Always ask permission
• No oil is needed so clothes so not need to be removed
• Movements are safe and can be adapted to suit varying personalities and temperaments
• Sessions can be spontaneous or planned
• Massage can be enjoyed almost anywhere and at any time
• Children are met where they are, whether coloring at a table or sitting on your lap reading a book, or laying on their bed after an evening bath
• Explanations and choices are given throughout the session
• A massage table is not necessary
• Toys can be incorporated
• Massage can be given in short sessions or overtime, build up to 20-30 minutes

These are the 10 massage strokes that represent a wide choice of objects, actions and emotions in providing Story Massage. The ten strokes can be used on any area that is accessible, comfortable and appropriate for the individual. Strokes can be applied to the shoulders, back, arms, head, face, legs, hands and feet. I hope that you try these techniques and stories with your little one.

The Ten Massage Strokes – Download Here

Use this Massage Story – Camping by Tricia Riordan – View Here
Use this Massage Story – Bear Hunt by Tricia Riordan – View Here

Here is a video on Massage for Children with Earaches: