News: June 2016

Children need massage too!

Watch me massage my 3-year-old daughter, Sienna, for some great ideas you can use and adapt for children of all ages. Research has shown that children who are massaged regularly are happier, calmer, less aggressive, sleep better, have improved respiratory function, have increased body awareness, and establish healthy boundaries. Massage also stimulates a child's motor and cognitive development.

The benefits even extend to parents and caregivers! Massage is an excellent way to bond with your child. Also, massaging your child can reduce your stress. Your child may want to massage you as well. It's a great way for them to learn how to offer nurturing touch to the people they love. Plus, it will make your child feel good to make you feel good.

Always ask permission before massaging your child. Let your child know that they are in charge of their own body. Keep the massage to 15 minutes or less, as a longer massage can be overstimulating for a child.

To learn more about massage for children, check out Tina Allen's book, A Modern Day Guide to Massage for Children.

Massage beats painkillers for exercise soreness

Anyone who exercises is likely familiar with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Studies have found rest and medication to be ineffective for such pain symptoms. Luckily, a recent study has shown massage to be significantly helpful in alleviating DOMS.

The study involved 231 runners in a 205-mile ultramarathon. The subjects were given a 20-minute pain-free massage during a rest halfway through the race. The massage practitioners concentrated on areas where the athletes reported pain symptoms - most commonly the legs, thighs, and knees. After the massage intervention, the runners reported a substantial decrease in DOMS symptoms.

So before you reach for the pills, remember that massage therapy is a superior treatment for alleviating those post-exercise aches and pains. Plus, massage doesn't have the negative side effects that can occur when taking painkillers. Getting massage regularly helps keep your body balanced and flexible. Massage not only reduces DOMS, but also decreases your risk of injury. And unlike painkillers, massage has long-lasting effects.

Source: Massage Magazine October 2015

What's new with me ...

I am super excited to see Hamilton on Broadway this week with my husband. Thank you, Jesse, for the amazing birthday present!

Sienna's latest name is "Amaya," one of the three PJ Masks superheroes. Amaya turns into "Owlette" when she must use her super powers to stop fiendish villains from messing with your day. You might have noticed her wings in the video above. Click here for the latest photos of "Amaya."

I wish all the dads a very happy Father's Day!