Massage Can Help Calm and Focus Kids with ADHD

School is finally back in session and children are forced to focus their attention in the classroom. Unfortunately, this is often difficult for children who suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The good news is that recent studies at the Touch Research Institute in Miami have shown that massage can help children and adolescents with ADHA by calming the body and improving alertness in a similar way that it helps adults.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is rapidly rising as the most common psychiatric diagnostic label for children. Anywhere from 3-7% of all school-age children and adolescents may have it, and it is one of the primary causes of behavioral problems in general pediatric settings. Nine boys are diagnosed with ADHD for every girl, but the rate of diagnosis for girls has been rising as well, and girls who are diagnosed have the same level of impairment as boys.

Kids with ADHD show difficulty holding attention and display impulsive behaviors and overactivity levels beyond what might be expected for their age group. They typically show poorer academic performance, have difficulty in social settings, and can’t adapt as well emotionally as kids without ADHD. Studies show that a diagnosis of ADHD puts kids at higher risk for delinquent behaviors and substance abuse. Other diagnoses such as learning disabilities, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders are often seen in the same children.

Currently, the drug Ritalin is the most common medication prescribed for children diagnosed with ADHD. In fact, it’s the most common drug prescribed for any childhood disorder and it’s been estimated that more than five million school-age children take Ritalin annually. Known to stimulate areas of the brain associated with attention, arousal, and inhibition, Ritalin seems to help improve ADHD symptoms in about 75% of cases, but its effects last only as long as it’s taken, and it does produce side-effects. Nervousness, headaches, sleeplessness, and rapid heart rate are sometimes seen with its use, and overdose can produce severe effects such as agitation, hallucinations, high blood pressure, seizures, heart arrhythmias, and psychosis. In addition, studies are only now being conducted on long-term effects.

The Good News…

Two recent studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami reported that regular massage therapy and an ultrasonic humidifier with essential oils can be an effective treatment for kids with ADHD. One study found adolescent boys who received ten 15-minute daily massages were observed by their teachers to be more focused in their schoolwork, and they fidgeted less. In addition, the children rated themselves as happier than those who participated in a relaxation therapy program.

Another study involved kids aged 7-18, 20% of whom were girls. Each subject received a 20-minute massage twice a week. They showed immediate improvement in their moods and longer-term behavioral improvement in the classroom. They also reported feeling happier and their teachers found them to be more attentive.

In adult studies, massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping to mitigate the active fight-or-flight response. Massage also helps improve math computation performance and raises alertness levels, as measured on electroencephalograms (EEGs). Finally, massage decreases depression and increases mental focus. The same effects are seen in children and teenagers with ADHD.

By introducing and incorporating massage into your child’s daily routine, you can help your child develop an age-appropriate ability to focus, a calmer disposition, and even increased confidence. Studies report that two 20-minute massages a week are enough to show significant improvement in ADHD children. Since these kids have trouble staying still for prolonged periods, they better tolerate shorter, more frequent massages.

For massage on children with ADHD, a therapist generally uses simple, moderate-pressure strokes to the child’s head/neck, arms, torso, legs, and back. Dividing time between these areas–say four minutes each–will address the full body and is enough to get the desired effect. Most kids do fine fully clothed. For parents seeking skilled bodywork for their kids, chair massage is a great choice, done with the child fully clothed and for about 20-30 minutes at a time.

In addition, supplementing with home massages between professional sessions can also be useful. Talk to your massage therapist about private massage lessons for you. You can learn simple, effective techniques to use on your child when frequent visits to the massage therapist may not be practical.

By adding massage to your child’s routine, you’re giving him much needed physical contact and helping to calm his nervous system, which will improve his ability to do school work, interact with peers and teachers, and be happier in general, we also recommend getting information about nugenix supplements. And if you’re massaging your child yourself, you’ll create the opportunity for a stronger emotional bond between the two of you.

**Information from the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals by Cathy Ulrich