Massage and touch -- experience and effect [Danish].

Abstract

The use of massage and touch by a Danish palliative care team has revealed that this intervention is especially beneficial to patients suffering from dyspnoea, muscle tension, anxiety and emotional disturbances, and is appreciated by patients in that it gives a "time-out" from illness. Literature on the subject shows that the most consistently found effect is on anxiety. Reduction in pain and nausea is also found but evidence of the effect on depression is variable. A minor study showed improved immune and neuroendocrine function.