Positive Touch  by Penelope Morrison, MAR.  www.deepenholistic.co.uk

As a complementary therapist  I have seen the power of positive touch, both giving treatments and at the workshops I run.  A hug is known to produce Oxytocin and Serotonin, which can help healing, and can make a person feel less anxious, less alone and happier.  However, not everyone is comfortable with a hug, so there are plenty of other ways that touch can be used in a positive way, beneficial to both the giver and receiver.

Story Massage (www.storymassage.co.uk) is a fun and interactive way of enjoying positive touch through storytelling and simple massage strokes.  Everyone can join in, whatever age or ability.  Stories can be created to share feelings, re-tell events and activities.  The Story Massage strokes used are all concentrated on the back, shoulders, arms and head whilst fully clothed.

Reflexology is a non-intrusive therapy, where pressure is applied to the feet or hands to areas that it is believed correspond to parts of the body.  This should be carried out by a qualified therapist.  However, parents and carers can attend workshops run by qualified reflexologists, which share some techniques.

Functional Reflex Therapy (www.functionalreflextherapy.co.uk ) is based on traditional reflexology techniques that have been adapted for all family members and care providers who support children and adults with special needs.  However, these techniques are not exclusive to those with special needs and can be taught to all family members to share together.

Baby and Toddler Reflex workshops teach parents and carers simple feet reflex(for babies) and hand reflex(for toddlers) techniques for relaxation and bonding, with the addition that they may help calming, and ease, relieve, and eliminate many discomforting conditions in babies and toddlers.

Research has shown that positive touch for children;

• Improves calmness and concentration

• Increases self-confidence, self awareness and self-esteem

• Improves social skills

This research is available at The Massage in Schools Association (www.themassageinschoolsassociation.org.uk )and Touch Research Institute Miami (http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/childmassage.html )

Penelope Morrison, MAR

www.deepenholistic.co.uk