Touch therapy effects on development

In this review empirical data are presented on the use of touch therapy, sp ecifically massage therapy for improving the clinical course of several con ditions including growth and development of pre-term infants, reducing pain , increasing attentiveness, diminishing depression, and enhancing immune fu nction. Potential underlying mechanisms for the massage therapy effects are proposed for each of these conditions. The general effect appears to deriv e from the stimulation of pressure receptors and the ensuing increase in va gal activity and slowing physiology which in turn facilitates a more relaxe d behavioural state, effects a decrease in stress hormones, most particular ly cortisol, and an increase in immune function, particularly natural kille r cells.