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Massage as a positive experience
The benefits of massage
Many illnesses of both the mind and body are a result of the inability of the body to cope with stress and massage will relax both the mind and body (Harrison et al. 1997, p56).
Massaging with essential oils allows some of the properties of the oil to be inhaled and absorbed in to the body through the skin. The friction from the massage can stimulate or relax muscles, increase blood flow, lower blood pressure and lower heartbeat. Overall it can induce a sense of well-being (Rich 1996, p105).
Massage and people with learning disabilities
The relaxation produced during a massage session can help to reduce challenging behaviour by reducing anxiety and stress levels (Bijou 1996, p62). For clients with profound and multiple handicaps, massage and the use of aromatic oils can stimulate the senses and add to quality of life. Massage can also be used as a way of building up a relationship and developing trust between a client with learning disabilities and a key care worker.
Sanderson et al. (1997) talks about 'interactive massage' with people who have learning disabilities (p7, 74 and 77) where massage is used as a communication tool to share, learn to trust, and help release emotions.
The Interactive sequence
McInnes et al 1982 outline an eight-stage massage sequence to promote the growth of a bond between an intervenor and learning-disabled client. It takes the client through an initial resistance towards co-operation and enjoyment. It is a way to help multi-sensory impaired people to explore themselves and their relationship with the environment - a prerequisite to all learning. The sequence can also be used to help challenging behaviour and increase tolerance towards touch and others.
It may take weeks or months to get the client to relax and start to make progress through the different stages. McInnes et al. (1982) recommend that negativity towards contact can be redirected into a positive activity that the client enjoys and tolerance built up gradually. Eventually, the client will tolerate short periods of massage, which may lead on to full co-operation (bearing in mind the attention span of the client).
Massage in Special Schools
Longhorn (1993) relates massage and aromatherapy to the National Curriculum for children severely handicapped attending special schools. She maintains that massage can be a powerful medium to initiate communication through the media of touch (p2). She also advocates interactive massage to develop trust and communication in a non-threatening way. In addition, she outlines using massage to stimulate energy flow and balance; to teach relaxation; and to offer sensory enjoyment and enhance quality of life.
Benefits of massage for special people
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Responses Relieves stress and tension Increases tolerance of touch and
handling Relaxes Soothes mood Building a relationship Emotional bonding Enhances self esteem Increases concentration span Enjoyment Time to reflect and talk |
Physical
benefits Relaxing Stimulating Passive
exercise Elimination
of toxins Helps
elicit controlled movements Contributes to understanding of cause and effect
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