CALM, FOCUSED and FRIENDLY

http://peacefulhands.org http://theablair.com What is peer massage? Why have schools in England adopted it to reduce aggression and bullying? Thea and film maker Amanda Bontecou flew to England in January to document this practice and found out that peer massage really did make students calm, focused, and friendly. They visited 10 schools (out of nearly one hundred that practice peer massage) in England in order to make a documentary film about this beneficial classroom activity. One of the schools has been doing peer massage for over ten years and the reason they introduced it was to relieve aggression and bullying. It is a way for peers to make meaningful connection and de-stress. This stimulates oxytocin which engages the parasympathetic nervous system. In addition to this, peer massage teaches valuable social skills: because the participants ask permission every time and the receiver is in control of the massage, peer massage teaches the giver respect and self-regulation; it teaches the receiver self-awareness and empowerment. Peer massage started in Sweden over 20 years ago. It has spread to England and Australia, but is still virtually unknown in the U.S.. This film was made to bring awareness of peer massage and its benefits. Thea Blair is a Waldorf teacher, and a Pediatric Massage Therapist. She operated a successful pre-school out of her home where she observed the amazing results of touch in resolving children's emotional stress. She now mentors teachers and parents; she offers workshops and trainings; she campaigns tirelessly for the return of healthy touch to our culture.