Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2024

18 • Massage Therapy Journal

The mothers in the EC group received routine care instructions, while the mothers in the EM group received routine care instruction and guidance for providing massage. The control group received no specific instruction. Data were collected at baseline and at the end of 2- and 5-months of intervention. Mothers were assessed for anxiety and depression at the same time intervals. The study found the scores of eczema area severity index and infantile dermatitis quality of life index were significantly lower in the EM group than the EC group. The EM group also had a lower relapse rate in infants with eczema, along with significantly lower scores on the self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale in the mothers. Additionally, no adverse reactions were reported following MPIM. “MPIM could effectively promote the remission of infantile eczema and reduce its relapse, along with relieving maternal anxiety and depression mood,” researchers noted. Parent-Led Massage: Benefits for Both The benefits of parent-led massage are wide ranging—not just for the child, but also for the parent provider. “There are the usual reasons for parent-led massage, like relieving colic, improving sleep, relieving teething pain, helping the baby process their daily stress, to name a few,” says Barbara Jazzo,

a licensed massage therapist who teaches parents how to provide infant massages to their children. “But I feel the most important reason is for parents to bond with their child. Having a parent’s hands on their baby is a very intimate action.” This intimacy allows parents to begin to relate to their baby’s cues so they learn what conveys discomfort, hunger or tiredness, for example. The main goal of an infant massage is to relax the baby, so Jazzo suggests using long strokes. For some areas of the body, circular strokes may also work. “The difference between infant and older child massage is both the amount of pressure and the number of strokes,” Jazzo explains. “A person may use less pressure with an infant, and perhaps fewer strokes.” Jazzo begins her introductory class on parent led massage by asking participants why they are interested in massage for their child. Having an idea of parents’ goals helps her better understand what parents are hoping to learn. For many parents, pressure is a primary concern. So, Jazzo typically starts by talking about appropriate amounts of pressure when working with children. Too much, as is the top concern for many parents, is not good, but neither is too little. “Too light is tickling and can overstimulate the baby,” Jazzo explains. The first strokes Jazzo teaches focus on the legs and the arms. Massage techniques for the stomach, chest and face might also be covered during the introductory session, as well as what

The benefits of parent-led massage are wide ranging— not just for the child, but also for the parent provider.

Vitalinka / shutterstock.com

amtamassage.org/mtj