MISP, Rest and Relaxation Workshops

Massage In Schools Workshops

The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is based on a Swedish method. Now 1,000 British primary schools put aside about 10 minutes a day for their fully-clothed pupils to calmly massage or trace shapes on their partner's head, shoulders, neck and back. The massage strokes, which are demonstrated by the teacher on another adult can be anything from the "bear-walk" to the "cat grip" or "bunny-hop", but the result is the same: pupils are left relaxed and ready to learn.

Children like to have their self-esteem boosted. Massage is another way of doing this because pupils must give permission; it helps them trust and respect each other and is a powerful antidote to bullying. It also re-introduces the role of positive physical touch, "Physical contact is a rare thing in today's schools, even in PE, but it has so many benefits."

MISP works particularly well in primary schools, although it can also break down barriers and tensions between Year 7s as well. It increases children's ability to socialize and make friends, and, because it reduces stress levels, it helps the brain become more receptive to information.

How it works

To understand how peer massage works, you need look no further than the neurological system. Massage increases levels of the feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Oxytocin, another hormone that relieves stress and is thought to help humans bond with one another, is also released. The hormonal changes result in happier, calmer and more focused pupils, teachers report.

Benefits

Clinical trials documented by the Touch Research Institute, based at the University of Miami, show that massage can:

Reduce aggression
Improve behavioural problems
Help counter Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Relieve anxiety
Reduce insomnia

Implementation

The programme can be delivered over a course of 6 weeks. Each session takes 30 minutes to deliver to a class of children, teacher and teaching assistant, who can then reinforce and practice the routines with the children on a regular basis.

Childrens Comments

I loved the peer massage because I felt different inside my body. - Arusa, Year 5

I really loved the massages. It really made me calm down. Thank you, my favourite was 'cat grip'! - Year 5

I had a pain in my back but when you came my pain stopped. Thank you miss! - Anisha, Year 5

I felt relaxed when we did the massage because it was great and enjoyable. My best massage stroke was 'the baker' because it was funny and so was 'brushing off the snow!' - Curtis, Year 5

I feel happy from receiving massages - Shakil, Year 5

Teachers Comments

The Peer Massage has been excellent. I wasn't sure how it would work out at first or how the class would react, however they have really enjoyed it. The mood in the room is noticeably calmer after the massage session. The children have a really good understanding of the strokes and were helping me when i was leading a massage session, by reminding me what the strokes were.

It would be hard to spot the children with behavioural problems in a massage session as they are all so involved. It has definitely had a positive impact on the class and we shall be continuing it for the rest of the year. Thank you. - Year 5 Class teacher

Please take a look at our workshops and if you have any further questions then please contact us by phone, message or email.