A child who is affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have difficulty controlling their behavior and paying attention. Some symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. A lot of times, these children are seen as “problem children” who just can’t “sit still”. Many children can seem restless and distracted, but ADHD children’s hyperactivity and distractibility can start to affect performance in school, in social relationships and behavior at home. There are many different theories on what causes ADHD, and it is estimated that 2 million children in the United States have it. There are many treatments for ADHD, including Ritalin. Ritalin increases dopamine levels within the brain which has been shown to decrease hyperactivity. While the choice to medicate your child is an incredibly personal one, there is another type of treatment that can help; massage therapy.

Regular massage therapy for children diagnosed with ADHD has been shown to improve their short-term mood state, their ability to focus and improve their behavior in the classroom. Studies report that two 20-minute massages a week are enough to show significant improvement in ADHD children. Because these children have trouble staying still for prolonged periods of time, shorter massage sessions are best. Massage therapists should focus on slow, stroking movements that have a sedating effect, rather than fast and firm strokes. Parents can even get pointers from massage therapists on various massage techniques so that they can massage their children themselves and create more of an emotional bond. Also purchase a massage table or massage chair for your ADHD child’s massage.

The benefits of massage therapy for a child that has ADHD:

· Decreased anxiety

· Pain reduction

· Improved muscle tone

· Enhanced pulmonary function

· Enhanced body image

· Increased bonding and attachment

· Increased self esteem

· Healthy sense of boundaries

· Stress reduction

· Overall sense of well being

In this day and age, people’s lives are very busy and chaotic and leave little room for much needed relaxation. In such a rushed, chaotic world, the benefits of receiving massage therapy can significantly improve your health and well-being while helping you become more centered and relaxed. More and more people are turning to massage therapy to help alleviate the common daily stresses in their lives. Achy joints, overstressed muscles, or the simple human need to be touched are some of the main reasons that people turn to experiencing the relaxing art of massage therapy. Your mind, body and soul will all benefit from a relaxing massage.

Some health benefits of receiving massage therapy:

-lowers heart rate

-lowers blood pressure

-relaxes muscles

-increases endorphins

-muscles are loosened and relaxed

-joints and pressure points are relieved

-enhances blood flow

-improves circulation

-lowers depression and anxiety

-reduces muscle spasms

-strengthens the immune system

-accelerates the rehabilitation process after an injury

-improves joint movement

-enhances flexibility

-promotes mental alertness

-alleviates discomfort associated with pregnancy

Researchers have been studying the benefits of massage therapy since the late 1800’s and have found that it can aid in the muscular system, circulatory system, nervous system, skeletal system, and the respiratory system. Studies have proven that people who experience massage therapy on a regular basis are less stressed and healthier than people who do not. Pregnant women are more comfortable, office workers perform better at their jobs and are more alert, and students perform better on tests when given massages. The benefits of receiving massage therapy are endless.

Swedish

The Swedish massage is by far the most well known form of massage and perhaps the most commonly practiced. The average day spa or massage clinic will likely use Swedish massage over other techniques. Swedish massage or “Svensk Massage” has been around since the 1800’s and is popular because of its uses of soothing, kneading, tapping stroke that work the entire body. This loosens joints and reduces muscle tension. In Swedish massage there are 5 basic strokes. They are stroking, grabbing/ lifting muscles, friction, chopping/beating/tapping, and vibration. This massage is often accompanied by massage oils or creams because of the eventual friction that will be created. For an overall great massage this is the type to get.

Deep Tissue

A deep tissue massage targets muscles with chronic tensions problems that lie deep down in the muscles. On your back there are about 5 layers of muscles, a lighter massage is going to do nothing to help those deep down muscles. A deep tissue massage involves slow, direct strokes that go with the grain of the muscles. You massage therapist will use their fingers and thumbs to administer the massage, in some cases even an elbow. Deep tissue massage is the best type of massage for those who have consistent back or shoulder problems. Keep in mind that while your massage will be a little uncomfortable it should never cause you pain. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your massage therapist if you are experiencing pain.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese form of massage that uses thumb pressure to work along acupressure and various special muscle points. The Japanese words “Shi” and “atsu” mean “finger pressure” which is where Shiatsu gets the name. The Japanese believe that “Qi” or “chi” is a life or energy force. Your Shiatsu therapist will assess your Qi and decide where it is flowing healthy and where it might be clogged. They will ask you if you have any ailments and then begin a light massage to see which pressure points are tender or stiff. Be sure to wear thin and loose clothing when going in to receive your shiatsu massage. You will likely be lying on a floor, mat or couch so be prepared for that as well. Shiatsu involves lots of deep breathing, joint stretching and manipulation of pressure points.

Hot Stone

Hot stone massage is becoming very popular in the more expensive hotels and clinics. Hot stone is basically a Swedish massage with smooth heated stones. A common rock used for this treatment is basalt, which is a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat. Your massage therapist will sanitize and heat up the massage stones and the amazing experience can begin. Once the stones lose heat they will be replaced with another hotter stone, this heat helps to loosen your muscles making the massage more effective. Since this type of massage is usually higher end, so too is its cost which is around $125 dollars or higher.

Thai

Thai massage a.k.a. Thai yoga or yoga massage is an ancient form of massage that has been in practice over 2500 years. The roots of this massage are traced back to ancient India and eventually became popular in Siam, which is now known as Thailand. This is a soothing massage because it has emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. The recipient of the massage is usually lying on the floor on a mat. Oil is rarely (if ever) used in a Thai massage and it can last for two hours or more. Usually a Thai massage will involve rhythmic pressing and pulling of the entire body. Sometimes the therapist will walk on their patients’ back, which is perhaps what Thai massage is best known for.