Caroline Brown, Lead Complementary Therapist for Paediatrics, Teenagers and Young Adults at The Royal Marsden Hospital
What is story massage?
Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medical treatment. They can help relieve symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment and provide positive self-help and coping strategies. Story massage is a fun way to introduce the benefits of positive touch through storytelling and simple massage strokes.
What happens?
It consists of 10 easy-to-follow massage strokes, each with a child-friendly name and symbol, which are used to represent different parts of the story. Story massage can be adapted for all ages, abilities and backgrounds and sessions can be tailored to suit each child’s individual needs. Massage stories are given through clothing, without the need for massage oil and always with respect and consent.
How does story massage help children with cancer?
Story massage is an enjoyable, meaningful and safe activity. It provides the experience of positive touch, which is important for children having stressful and painful procedures. Story massage can be practised by everyone in the family, from patients, siblings, parents and grandparents. During long and exhausting hospital stays, it’s a helpful alternative to screen time, allowing families to share time together, having fun and connecting. Story massage is relaxing for both mind and body, easing tension and stress and allowing dedicated time to recharge and feel calm.
What does story massage entail?
Favourite stories, poems, songs and nursery rhymes can be adapted as massage stories. Health professionals, family members and children themselves can also write their own massage stories which can be a creative and therapeutic activity. The choice of 10 massage strokes makes this a simple activity that can be done together and repeated often! The strokes have names like ‘The Wave’, a zig-zag movement in a downward direction, and ‘The Sprinkle’, a light tapping of the fingertips as if playing the piano. Story massage stickers can be added to books, showing the different massage strokes.
What other types of complementary therapies are there?
Aromatherapy, therapeutic massage and reflexology are examples of other complementary therapies. These are safe and effective, working on both a physical and psychological level. Complementary therapies promote the release of endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s natural pain killing and feel-good hormones, allowing for pain reduction and a feeling of general wellbeing. They can be effective for symptoms such as muscular aches and pains, headaches and nausea and help improve sleep and boost mood, motivation and self-esteem, as well as reducing stress and anxiety and providing a helpful distraction.
How do people find out more?
A free service may be available within your child’s hospital. Your child’s nurse specialist will be able to tell you more. Alternatively, you can search for local practitioners on the government backed Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council website, cnhc.org.uk. It’s a good idea to check the therapist has had the correct training and experience of working with cancer patients. For more information, visit storymassage.co.uk.
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From Contact magazine issue 102 - Spring 2024
