Gently massage children "relieves pain"

A recent study concluded that gently massaging children reduces the brain activity associated with pain.

The study, conducted by Oxford University and the University of Liverpool, John Morris, tracked the brain activity of 32 children during blood tests.

The study found that half of the children had been massaged in advance with a soft brush, noting that the brain activity associated with pain in these children was 40% lower.

"Touch seems to have the ability to relieve pain without the risk of side effects," said Rebecca Slater, author of the study.

"If we can better understand the neurological and vital underpinnings of techniques such as infant massage, we can improve the advice we give parents on how to relax their children," she said.

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The study indicates that the speed of massage stimulates a class of sensory neurons in the skin, called sensory vectors, which have been shown to reduce pain in the adult.

But it was not clear whether the children had the same answer or whether they were developing with time.

"It has been proven that sensory wearers in infants could be activated and that their massage, in a slow and gentle manner, could cause changes in brain activity in infants," said Slater.

The study, published in the journal Current Biology, can demonstrate the impact of touch-based practices, such as infant massage, or what is known as "kangaroo care", whose name is given due the similarity with which kangaroos carry their children – By touching the skin of the premature skin of the mother to encourage maternal and child ties and eventually reduce the pain.

"Previous work has shown that touch can increase the bonds between parents and infants, reduce stress in parents and children, and reduce the stay in the hospital."

The authors now plan to replicate their experience with premature children whose sensory pathways continue to evolve.