Scottish Institute of Reflexology
WORKING WITH CHILDREN
My Work on Children
I have three children who are all familiar with Reiki, Aromatherapy and Reflexology. One son, C.J. is dyslexic and I've been trying to monitor his response to regular reflexology - but as you know if it's a member of your family it is increasingly hard to keep good quality notes and time-line. Once C.J. was diagnosed as dyslexic I tried to give weekly treatments – but this elapsed due to football (my son!) and other family activities. Now we seem to manage monthly sessions, but I would advise a client to try fortnightly. However, he is very responsive to any hands on treatment. As he can become very frustrated at his inability to process information, relaxation is a huge benefit. Also, his concentration improves for a couple of days after a combined Reiki and Reflexology treatment. I tend to give a 15 min of Reiki to settle him and then give Reflexology. It is also good 1-1 time with a teenage son so this benefit is difficult to separate from the presenting condition.
My eldest, Steven, is a runner, golfer and rugby player – a very keen and able sportsman. He also has a huge paper-round each morning, before walking 1.5 miles to school. At 14 he has mood swings and his body is under extreme stress. So although I would suggest Reflexology to him – he opts for Aromatherapy all the time. I think this is because it relieves his muscles instantly and he falls into a very deep sleep within minutes. Many a time my husband and I have to carry him into his bed – no mean feat at 11.5 stone!
For his competition pre-run rub I use 2 drops each of Rosemary, Black pepper and Ginger: 10 ml carrier, on his legs. Afterwards I use 3 drops Marjoram and 2 Grapefruit in 20 ml of carrier oil – for a full body massage. This has kept him injury free since starting competing.
A good blend for teenage classroom stress: 2 drops each of Cypress, Marjoram and Bergamot in 10 ml of carrier oil.( for Girls this could be changed to Rose, Geranium or lavender and Bergamot – the Bergamot being an excellent “lifting and positive” oil). Normally this is massaged into the back, neck, head and shoulders before bed, making sure that a drink of water is taken before sleeping.
My youngest child is Mairi who loves any form of physical contact. She is also a budding reflexologist and quite often, after a hard day “does my feet”. She appreciates the benefits of Reflexology in particular. We found out at an early age that Mairi is susceptible to cystitis if she has an excess of sugar. This is controlled by copious amounts of Cranberry juice and reflexology – particularly before any birthday parties or sleep-overs at her sugar-laden friends’ houses. In fact I had to explain to one friend’s mum that this was an issue and even if half the sweets were replaced by grapes or fruit the impact would be the same.
Now at the ripe old age of nine she has been experiencing recent monthly bouts of stomach cramps (the precursor of menstrual pain). So Mairi and I are using 2 drops of Lavender oil to 5ml carrier oil massaged into her abdomen and then …………………..
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Val Gray M.S.I.R.