THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE HAVE NO AGE LIMIT: INFANT AND GERIATRIC MASSAGE

 

The benefits of infant massage are becoming increasingly acknowledged by Americans.  While awareness of the neurological, developmental and emotional benefits of infant massage has grown, few people are aware of infant massage’s ability to positively affect DNA even after birth.  In this month’s issue of Massage Magazine, article author Andrea Kelly discusses such benefits with Bruce Lipton, Ph.D. and pioneer of epigenetics.  Epigenetics is “the study of the continuum of DNA development after birth”.1In the article titled Massage for Life: The Lasting Benefits of Healthy Touch, Environment and Communication, Kelly and Lipton touch on the role of massage in shaping the lives of infants.  Lipton’s research has led him to conclude that massage can modify infant genes after birth.  Lipton states that by “changing our eating habits, thinking positively and eliminating stress” we can change the outcome of our genetic predispositions for disease.  He goes on to confirm that “Massage, in the form of simple nurturing touch, may assist to relax and eliminate stress”, a vital part of effecting these predispositions.1  Some additional benefits of infant massage include:- Relieving discomfort and colic
- Improving blood circulation
- Aiding digestion
- Enhancing nervous system development
- Stimulating neurological development
- Increasing alertness and awareness
- Reducing stress
- Improving immunity.2This article also supports the benefits of geriatric massage stating that older people, as well as newborns, can greatly benefit from the healing touch.  Massage therapy provides relaxation, treats pain and improves the mood and spirit of the elderly.  Geriatric massage therapy can also improve circulation, decrease muscle and joint stiffness, and improve elderly patient outlook and companionship.3 In order to provide whole body wellness to future generations we must provide both young and old Americans with the loving touch of massage

 

 

.1 Massage Magazine, February 2011 Edition
2 Massage Today
3 Livestrong.com