Russ 'n Gaz's ideas

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Forward thinking ideas to usher in the age of innovation

If you want to use any of the ideas you see on this site then feel free. They are good and we think that society needs all the creativity it can get. Go ahead. We don't want the ownership or the hassle. Confusion and stress exists in those places. If you have success with them then you can donate to the forthcoming Gareth Horbury Foundation, which intends to promote and support mental health for all through creative thought. For more details contact me on 07821 742 023.

Massage Clothing - Children

Since putting this up here I discovered that these t-shirts actually exist, sort of. Go to www.urbanapothecary.co.uk/products.

This one is for baby massage.

Anyway, add storytelling, guided meditation and stuff to the product and we're getting there.

the inspiration

I was working for a local Surestart programme a few years ago and some ladies came in to speak to the programme manager. I can't remember what they were selling or there to speak about, but we had a conversation and they were telling me how in Sweden it is part of the school day for children to have massage breaks whereby they gave each other massages, over clothing, as relaxation time. Obviously these aren't full-on Swedish massages, but gentle things and they used storylines to help the children along. For example, if a rainbow features in the story they draw a rainbow across the back of the other child. Anyway, these ladies told me that in Sweden there is no bullying and stuff like that. Sounds good. My idea did not take much thought to be honest, but it makes a nicely marketable product. Put the pictures realated to the story onto t-shirts. Easy!

the idea

T-shirts that are massage aids.

Using images and words on the design of the picture the child is guided in giving what amounts to a 'storytelling massage'. A bit like guided meditation mixed with massage for children. Of course this would work for adults also.

As the idea was inspired by an activity that actually already happens in the Swedish school system, an obvious client could be schools. Primary schools would no doubt work better than secondary schools. As the practice is pretty much curriculum in Sweden with great results you would have a lot of good, positive research and statistics to quote.

The research phase is crucial to the development of this idea and writing good story-massage scripts, which, written well, would incoporate elements of hypnotherapy and NLP, which are all about using positive language for emotional and mental benefit. The potentials are amazing.

The idea could extend to the growing practice of baby massage. Printed baby grows with instructions, coloured areas etc to guide parents in building positive touch relationships with their children from this early age, not to mention the physical and emotional benefits of touch therapy and massage.

I think the idea is great and if I was a parent I'd buy it.