The simple and calming act of massage can result in improved mental concentration, better behaviour and, above all, children who are ready to learn.
Peer massage involves children working in pairs and taking turns to massage each other. It does not require any clothing to be removed or contact between adult and child. Parents' permission is always obtained before peer massage is introduced to the children; this is rarely a problem once the many benefits are explained.
Touch through massage is proved to stimulate the brain to produce oxytocin, the 'feel good' hormone, which induces a sense of calm and well-being, and encourages social bonding. In schools where peer massage is an established daily routine, there has been shown to be significant reduction in playground bullying and aggression. Children become calmer and their concentration improves which, in turn, impacts on classroom behaviour and achievement. Peer massage can also help children with special needs, including behaviour and communication disorders.
Studies by the Touch Research Institute in Miami have shown that massage also improves cognitive performance in pre-school children. Peer massage fits perfectly with Brain Gym, with programmes for dyspraxia and dyslexia, and with current thinking about 'emotional intelligence' and research into brain development.
There is evidence that stress in early childhood may lead to persistent states of hyper-arousal - a state of 'red alert', where the child over-reacts to stressful situations. Alternatively, stress can lead to hyper-inhibition, where the child may become emotionally withdrawn. Through positive nurturing touch, children are able to experience a state of quiet and calm, something hard for many of us to achieve today, and perhaps impossible for some children.
An important aspect of peer massage is that children always ask and give permission, saying 'Would you like a massage?' or 'May I touch your back please?' This helps to develop increased self-esteem and respect for the feelings of others. It also helps children to recognise the difference between 'good' and 'bad' touch, and to have the confidence to say no to unwanted touch.
In practice
During the past year I have been funded by Sure Start to introduce peer massage to the children and staff in two Darlington nurseries and at the Riverside Early Excellence Centre in North Tyneside. Overall the nursery children have responded very positively to the peer massage sessions.
I use popular rhymes and songs, such as 'Incy Wincy Spider' and 'The Wheels on the Bus', to accompany the massage actions. I also encourage children to tell simple stories through 'drawing pictures' on each other's backs. As with any nursery activity, some children are initially reluctant to take part and prefer to just sit and watch. Others are very enthusiastic and quick to learn the routines and to encourage other children to participate.
Children soon grasp the idea of sitting together in pairs, one behind the other, and, with a little prompting, they remember to ask, 'May I touch your back please?' - although some children prefer using smiles and eye contact rather than words to ask and give permission.
Children then instinctively mimic the actions that I have demonstrated on an adult's back.
It is wonderful to observe the way that children respond to peer massage, to see the smiles gradually spreading across their faces, and hear them quietly whispering to one another about the strokes.
I feel that during the massage sessions, children are experiencing physical and emotional relaxation, as well as a recognition of and respect for one another's feelings, at a very deep and meaningful level. This can only be for the good. Hopefully this will spread into the rest of the children's school life and also into their wider life outside school. NW
Further information
* The Massage in Schools programme provides peer massage training.
www.massageinschools.com
* Helen Lawton can be contacted on 01325 467413. helenlawton@aol.com
