Promoting Positive Touch

We are empowering the children/young people and parents/carers by teaching them a skill they can use on each other and/or their family. We actively encourage people to get together to exchange treatments as it helps with the stress and anxiety that they feel. It builds up confidence and self-esteem so they feel more able to mange the challenges that they face. All participants of our workshops receive an attendance certificate. None of our workshops lead to a professional qualification.

Reflexology

We teach a simple reflexology routine. This is a wonderful skill for parents, carers, children and young people to learn. As well as promoting positive touch it is a practical tool which peers and family members can use to aid in stress, anxiety, anger, tension and depression. Clients are taught the necessary theory and when it is and is not safe to give a treatment. This introductory workshop is very relaxing to give and great to receive. We encourage participants to get together to exchange treatments as well as treating family and friends. An empowering workshop in which parents and carers can also get to meet one another.

This workshop takes 6 hours and can be split into 2 or 3 sessions. Each session follows on from the last and it is advised that participants attend all sessions if they wish to learn the routine.

Indian Head Massage

This workshop teaches a simple massage routine with easy techniques. The routine covers the shoulders, neck and head and teaches people how to lessen muscular tension and to promote a sense of well being in others. A great skill to learn to share with friends and family as we all suffer from shoulder and neck tension as well as headaches. Like all massage it has an emotional and mental benefit as well as physical.

This workshop can either be 3 or 5 hours depending on the depth of understanding and the number of techniques participants desire to learn. It can be done in either one or two sessions depending on which workshop length is chosen. A routine is taught.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of practice that has been around for years. Yoga meaning to 'Yoke' is the union that one achieves with Mind, Body and Spirit. Yoga involves concentration on correct abdominal breathing, once correct breathing has been understood movement is then applied to the physical body. The practice of movement and breath is then co-coordinated to achieve deep relaxation, mental clarity and a sense of harmony and well-being.

Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages. The application of Yoga Nidra deep relaxation is an extremely beneficial tool for children and young people as they relax far more quickly and deeply than adults and are more open and receptive. It can be used as a wonderful resource for development on all levels.

Classes are 1 -2 hours long.

Mother and Baby or Child Yoga

Mother and Baby or child Yoga classes are designed for babies over 12 weeks of age. No prior yoga experience is necessary. With baby yoga the mothers are holding their babies and being guided through gentle yoga movements. There is a mixture of stretching and relaxing sequences. Each class finishes with a joint relaxation for parent and baby.

It promotes contentment and deep sleep for the babies and helps parents with the stress of early parenting. It assists with physical, emotional, mental health and bonding between the parent and the baby or child.

In parent and child yoga both the parents and the children take part in the yoga sessions that are been taught.

Classes are 1 hour long

Antenatal yoga

Antenatal yoga is specifically adapted for pregnancy from 16 weeks on and can continue until just before the birth of the baby. The movements help to alleviate discomfort and renew energy. Breathing techniques and relaxation skills are taught and there is time for discussion in a relaxed and friendly environment.

It is aimed at physical, emotional and mental fitness. It also helps mothers to bond with their babies before they are born and to be more aware of the lifestyle choices that they make.

Classes are 1 ½ - 2 hours long.

Baby Massage

Baby massage is taught to parents/carers with babies between 3 – 9 months old. These treatments encourage mental and emotional bonding between parents/carers and their children and introduce positive touch, giving their children a better chance in the future. It is especially for mothers suffering from post natal depression.

Parents are taught a range of movements which prepares the babies for all their stages of development including excellent posture. Baby massage gives the parent/carer practical skills to calm their baby down, aiding sleep, digestion and to improve their general physical health. It also helps to test the flexibility of the joints and therefore can alert the parents to any problems.

This enables the parent/carer grow to in confidence and self esteem as a parent, giving them more knowledge how to look after themselves and their baby.

6 sessions are recommended

Classes are 1 ½ - 2 hours long.

Peer massage

Peer massage teaches children a simple massage routine to use on each other which promotes positive and respectful touch. This has been proven to reduce bullying/aggression and aid in concentration and focus. Teachers notice the class is a lot calmer afterwards and that the children are a lot kinder and more considerate towards each other and those with whom they interact. This is due to a reduction in stress and anxiety among children.

It also teaches the children the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch and empowers them to say no if they feel uncomfortable when they are being touched.

The therapist teaches the class the simple massage routine by way of a story board. The children take turns in giving and receiving the massage and once they are familiar with the routine it takes 5 – 10 mins to do. This can be done in school first thing in the morning or after lunch break.

This massage routine is suitable for primary age children and is more beneficial if 4 lessons are given to each class over the course of a week.