What is Neuro-Massage for SEND?

🌱 Why Massage Matters in Schools and other Educational Establishments

Lucy Culshaw has over 20 years of experience as a school leader and special educational needs coordinator as well as in adult social care for learning disabilities and autism.

Since recently retiring from her role as an Assistant Headteacher, Lucy has undertaken specialist Neuro-Massage training with Giuliana Wheater, whose highly successful Rainbow Kids Touch Therapy and Indian Head Massage programmes for neurodivergent children across mainstream and specialist schools in the UK have been recognised as ‘Outstanding and Innovative’ by Ofsted.  Lucy has also trained to be a Story Massage Instructor with the Story Massage Programme.

You can find out more about Giuliana here – www.therapiesforspecialneeds.co.uk

And more about Story Massage here – www.storymassage.co.uk

Children and young people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, PTSD, OCD, learning difficulties, Down syndrome and more have benefited from neuro-massage techniques — reporting calmer emotions, better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved focus, and deeper self‑awareness

Therapeutic touch stimulates four key “happy” hormones—oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine and endorphins—and melatonin for better sleep. It lowers stress hormones like cortisol, promotes relaxation, calms the nervous system, builds trust, resilience, and emotional regulation—not just for individual benefit but for more inclusive, peaceful school environments

🌈 Benefits

• Boosts calmness, concentration, and self-esteem

• Enhances communication and social skills

• Encourages creative learning through play

• Builds respectful relationships and emotional awareness

📚 Educational Impact

The benefits of massage, Rainbow Kids and massage stories can support learning in:

• Literacy & numeracy

• History, geography, art, science & nature

• Emotional development & wellbeing

  
  

Our Offer

🌟 Neuro-Massage for SEND

• Performed clothed (dry or with cream/oils), adaptable for different needs — seated, bean‑bag, adapted couch or massage chair.

• Sessions tailored for anxiety relief, concentration, body awareness, muscle tension, or emotional self‑regulation.

• Perfect as short interventions in schools: e.g. 30‑minute sessions between classes or 1:1 support sessions (regular weekly sessions are recommended)

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🌈 Rainbow Kids Workshops - Inclusive Fun and Learning for Children

Rainbow Kids Workshops are a vibrant, inclusive space designed for children with special needs. The club offers a safe and nurturing environment where kids can play, learn, and grow.

• Integrates massage with storytelling, affirmations, guided imagery, yoga, breathing, mindfulness, and creative play.

• Used in classrooms, after‑school clubs, nurture settings to foster focus, emotional intelligence, confidence, social skills, and stress resilience

• Sensory Play: Activities that stimulate and support sensory development.

• Creative Arts: Music, crafts, and drama to encourage self-expression.

💫 Story Massage Workshops- Inclusive Fun and Learning for Children

Blending simple massage strokes with storytelling, rhymes, or songs to create a fun, inclusive, and calming experience for all ages and abilities.

10 Easy Strokes: Each with a name and symbol, like The Circle or The Sprinkle

• No Oils Needed: Fully clothed, safe, and adaptable

• Anywhere, Anytime: At home, in schools, care homes, or community settings

• Inclusive & Accessible: Suitable for children, adults, and those with special needs

📋 Programme Options for Schools and other Educational Settings

Option	Description
1:1 Neuro Massage	20‑60 min sessions for individual pupils needing sensory regulation or calming support – a course of 12 sessions is recommended
Small Group Workshops	30‑min group sessions to support emotional self‑regulation and peer support.

❤️ Real Feedback from School Settings

“I loved it. I felt calm all day.” — Callum, severe anxiety & learning disabilities

“From the first couple of sessions I could think more clearly, focus and remember stuff much better.” — Natalie, dyslexic

“I could sleep properly for the first time after head massage.” — Harry, ADHD

“First time in my life I could hear the quiet.” — Kieran, paranoid schizophrenia from childhood

“Brings calmness to the child, the environment, and also to myself.” — Melanie Anderson, SENDco, Sunflowers Nursery

“The programme has brought a new sense of creativity to the classroom.” — Rebecca Thornhill, Assistant Headteacher

📞 Booking & Contact

To discuss how Lucy can support your school — whether for individual pupil sessions, whole‑school projects, staff training or inset days — please contact:

Lucy Culshaw – Touch Positive

📞 07512 073209

✉️ admin@touchpositive.co.uk

🌟 Why You and/or Your School Should Consider This

• Proven outcomes: reduced anxiety, better sleep, improved concentration and emotional wellbeing.

• Flexible delivery: one to one, small group(s)

• Inclusive approach: accessible to all ages, abilities and SEND

• Backed by research and certified methods with measurable benefits in school performance and student resilience.

Let Touch Positive help your pupils flourish with nurturing massage, mindfulness and emotional regulation tools designed especially for neurodiverse children.