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Show Wednesday, September 27, 2006 B1 Becoming the family masseuse By Jennifer Petty Express Writer When the word massage is mentioned, most people think of a luxurious spa, soft music, and aromatic oils. It's difficult to tell what twins Ethan and Isaac think of massage because at five months old, they can't talk yet, but it's clear from their calm bodies that they don't need an expensive masseuse to help them relax and relieve tension. ten-sion. Their mother Meredith Manwaring and grandmother Peggy Middleton are learning learn-ing about infant massage from Shanna Wheeler, a staff member mem-ber of Vernal's PrimeTime 4 Kids. Infant massage has been around for centuries in cultures cul-tures of the world, but was only introduced to the United States in the early 1970s. A woman named Vimala McClure, who had observed the practice of infant massage while living and working in India, brought the technique back to the United States. Since its introduction, the number of people interested in infant massage has steadily increased. The many benefits of infant massage has probably contributed contrib-uted to its popularity. Research has shown that infant massage mas-sage lessens tension, fussiness and irritability in an infant. It is beneficial to an infant's health by aiding in digestion and providing relief of gas and colic. Studies have also shown that infant massage increases weight gain and immune function func-tion and helps aid processes that an infant's body uses for brain and muscle development. Massage Therapist Sara Pittman, who has taught classes class-es on infant massage through the Horizon's program at Utah State University, explains why massage is so beneficial to an infant's health. "During massage mas-sage you are stimulating the lymphatic system which cleans out the body and takes toxins out. It's how we stay healthy." Besides the health benefits, parents enjoy enhanced communication com-munication as they become more aware of their child's nonverbal non-verbal cues and greater emotional emo-tional attachment as they bond with their baby. This last point Wheeler sees as one of the most important benefits of massage. "Babies learn better when there is a strong bond between them and their caregiver and when they are relaxed," said Wheeler. Infant massage is also a great way for fathers to bond with their children. Holly and Justin Allred took Wheeler's infant massage class together so they could give massages to their son Tyler. "I know that really helped him to have a way to kind of connect with our son. Miriam Rowley pauses from massaging Hunter (2) a leg massage. IF ---V . f"." . Loonm u vim mS Hem Furnishing J) Basin Life He was at work all day and massage mas-sage was a way he could spend time with Tyler when he came home from work." Not only do babies benefit from a caregiver's loving touch, but the massager can benefit too. Said Wheeler, "We live in a society where things are so fast and tense. During massage, mas-sage, parents are learning how to breathe slower and relax. At the same time, they are teaching teach-ing their kids to relax too, and that is important." Janet Helco, mother of Emalee, six months, agrees. "It helps me slow down and breathe," she said. Helco believes in the physical benefits too. "Emalee had really bad reflux but it's almost all cleared up. It could be just coincidence, but I've noticed she is less fussy too." Miriam Rowley, another mother who learned about massage mas-sage for her three-month-old Elizabeth added, "It's really helped me read her cues better on what she's wanting." Rowley also said that since starting infant massage with Elizabeth, her son Hunter, who's two, doesn't want to be left out and will often lay down beside Elizabeth so he can get a massage mas-sage too. To begin infant massage, books or videos can be checked out or obtained from the library or from other community resources such as PrimeTime 4 Kids. Some tips to get started include: Choose a place that is quiet, warm and comfortable. Avoid bright lights or places with a lot of commotion. Unscented, cold-pressed vegetable oils such as olive, safflower, almond, grape seed, or apricot kernel work best for infant massage. Mineral oils like baby oil or other commercially commer-cially made oils or lotions can actually have harmful effects on the body, especially on infants and should not be used. Janet Helco gives Emalee a massage. mas-sage. three-month-old Elizabeth to give 1 - i- .. .v I Q A nJA few . v vl . ; ' ' - -sjrjri) . .-. . - Meredith Manwaring (I) and her mother Peggy Middleton give five-month-old Massage strokes should be soft and gentle, but not too light. There should be just enough pressure to be comfortable and stimulating. Before beginning the massage mas-sage ask baby for permission to begin. It's important for a child to begin learning that they have control over their body. If they don't want one, try again another anoth-er day. Don't force them to have a massage. Talk or sing quietly during the massage. It is a great time to teach nursery rhymes or songs. Read baby's cues as to when to keep going or stop. A massage on an infant should only last 15-20 minutes. Too much could be overstimulating. Try to set a routine for the massage (e.g. same time, music, and place). An infant will pick up on these cues and be more ready for the massage. For small infants choose a time when they are awake, but quiet and not too active. If a baby or child doesn't immediately take to massage, it's not a sign that they will never like it. Begin with short sessions. Usually an infant will come to look forward to a massage mas-sage when they are used to it. vernalsocietyyahoo.com Getting started with Infant Massage (From Loving Touch Infant Massage Program): Strokes for arms and legs Indian Milking: Make the hand like the letter let-ter "C". With the thumbs facing downward wrap fingers around leg (or arm) and glide outward out-ward in long, alternating sweeping strokes. Wringing: With both hands turning opposite oppo-site to each other, work your way from the thigh up to ankle and off the foot. Swedish Milking: Make the hand like the letter "C". With the thumbs facing downward wrap fingers around leg (or arm) and glide up the leg toward the heart in long, alternating sweeping strokes. Feather Stroke: Finish massage with light stroke from hips to feet signifying that part of massage is over then hold the leg and gently tap and jiggle extremity to conclude. Strokes for feet Pressure Point Thumb Walk: Imagine five V S., W . ; ... . , -, f. - ' ' r-i .V- ( Shanna Wheeler, who works for PrimeTime 4 Kids, demonstrates infant massage techniques to parents. lines running up the heel of the foot to the toes. Walk thumbs up the bottom of the foot to include the surface under the toes. Airplane Runway: Using the palm of hand, glide and stroke up and over the sole of the foot and off the toes while you wiggle your fingers. fin-gers. Strokes for stomach Hands of a clock: Moving in a clockwise direction, stroke baby's stomach (be careful not to apply pressure to the base of the breast bone). Fulling: With thumbs together above the belly button in the middle of the stomach, gently gen-tly grasp the muscle, lift and pull outward to baby's sides. Make two rows of strokes above the belly button, one row equal with, and two rows below. Rainbow: From baby's right to left, walk your fingers in a rainbow arch fashion in several sev-eral rows horizontally across the tummy. twins Ethan and Isaac a massage. XL to Community Calendar September 27-October 27 The annual Juried Photography exhibit will be on display at the Western Heritage Museum. A reception recep-tion will be held October 4 from 6:30-8 p.m. September 27 The Family Support Center of Uintah Basin will be offering offer-ing Parent Education classes in Vernal from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Workforce Services Bldg., 1050 Market Dr. Classes will also be offered, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, and Oct. 18. Classes are free to anyone interested in learning positive ways of raising children. Free child care is available. Please call 722-2401 to arrange for child-care child-care and to enroll for the classes. September 29 GED test given at Uintah School District Office, Friday and Saturday. Those interested inter-ested in taking the test need to fill out an application at Ashley Valley Education Center, 250 S. Vernal Ave., or at the School District Office, by Thursday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. The test fee is $55, with retakes available for $llsub-test. $llsub-test. Contact Shela Swain or David John at 781-3100, ext. 2841. Community dance at the Golden Age Center, 155 South 100 West from 8 to 10 p.m. every Friday night. Kay's Band provides the music. September 30 Utah Field House of Natural History is hosting a Free Day. Events include storytelling, art contest, and color contest. The Roosevelt Skate Park is holding a fund-raiser beginning begin-ning at 5 p.m. at the USU Roosevelt campus building. All proceeds from the activities activi-ties will be directly donated to the Roosevelt Skate Park. All ages are welcome and encouraged encour-aged to attend. Admission is $3 for children and $5 for adults. The Family Support Center of Uintah Basin will be offering offer-ing Parent Education Classes at the following locations: in Roosevelt at the Family Support Center, 250 N. 700 E., Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Public Lands Day at Pariette Wetlands - BLM, call Karen 781-4437. October 1-31 Bluebell Corn Maze - Call Mark Monson at 454-3732 for more information. October 2 A community Bible Study to be held every Monday at 7 p.m. at 3630 South 1500 East. Entry fee deadline for the annual Children's Justice Center Charity Golf Tournament which will be held at Dinaland Golf Course. The tournament will be held the 6th. Entry forms can be sent to the Children's Justice Center (84 N. 200 W., Vernal) or the Dinaland Golf Course (675 S. 2000 E., Vernal) For more information call 781-0105. 781-0105. October 2-6 IPAMS Oil and Gas Show at Western Park. For more information infor-mation call 789-7396. October 4 The Family Support Center of Uintah Basin will be offering offer-ing Parent Education classes in Vernal from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Workforce Services Bldg., 1050 Market Dr. Classes will also be offered Oct. 11, and Oct. 18. Please call 722-2401 722-2401 to arrange for childcare and to enroll for the classes. The Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St Francis will be held Wednesday, Oct 4 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 226 W. Main, Vernal. The community is invited for the Blessing of the Animals. To place items of public interest inter-est in the Community Calendar, call 789-3511 or email them to editorvernal.com. |