somatic research
3. I. Gordon et al., "Brain
Mechanisms for Processing
Affective Touch," Human
Brain Mapping 2011, doi:
10.1002/hbm.21480.
4. Science Daily, "Women Tend to
Have Better Sense of Touch Due
to Smaller Finger Size," accessed
February 2013, www.sciencedaily.
com/releases/2009/12/091215
173017.htm.
5. I.U. Kress et al., "Direct
Skin-to-Skin Versus
Indirect Touch Modulates
Neural Responses to Stroking
Versus Tapping," Neuroreport
22, no. 13 (2011): 646–51.
6. Science Daily, "How a Person
Remembers a Touch," accessed
Stay tuned for IMTRC in Boston
Gentle touch has profound effects on specific
classes of neurons, and it may be a valid tool for
massage therapists and bodyworkers, in addition
to, or in lieu of, deep-pressure techniques. In
order to target class III sensory neurons, gentle
touch must be employed, as they are designed
specifically for differentiating subtle information.
If you are interested in more conversations about
basic science and its implications for massage therapy and
bodywork, attend the International Massage Therapy
Research Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, on April
25–27 (www.massagetherapyfoundation.org). Day one
focuses on basic-science research and will present data
on massage mechanisms as they relate to and inform
various aspects of the body, including the immune
system, the nervous system, and the mind.
Notes
1. Science Daily, "Sensory Neurons Identified as Critical
February 2013, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/11051010
1048.htm.
7. D.C. Cherkin et al., "A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types
of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized,
Controlled Trial," Annals of Internal Medicine 155, no. 1 (2011): 1–9.
8. A. Schander, H.F. Downey, and L.M. Hodge, "Lymphatic Pump
Manipulation Mobilizes Inflammatory Mediators into Lymphatic
Circulation," Experimental Biology and Medicine 237, no. 1 (2012): 58–63.
9. C. A. Moyer et al., "Does Massage Therapy Reduce Cortisol?
A Comprehensive Quantitative Review," Journal of Bodywork
and Movement Therapies 15, no. 1 (2011): 3–14.
10. Science Daily, "Merkel Cells Revealed as Secret Behind Sensation of
Light Touch," accessed February 2013,
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208132231.htm.
11. Science Daily, "Sensory Neurons."
12. Z. Yan et al., "Drosophila NOMPC is a Mechanotransduction
Channel Subunit for Gentle-Touch Sensation."
Nature 2012, doi: 10.1038/nature11685.
13. Science Daily, "Gentle Touch May Aid Multiple Sclerosis
to Sense of Touch," accessed February 2013,
Patients," accessed February 2013, www.sciencedaily.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121025122211.htm.
com/releases/2009/10/091014144727.htm.
2. Science Daily, "Secrets of Gentle Touch Revealed," accessed February
2013, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121209152517.htm.
14. B. B. Bahman et al., "Gentle Human Touch and Yakson on Preterm's
Behavioral Reactions," ISRN Nursing 2012, doi: 10.5402/2012/750363.
A licensed massage practitioner since 1984, Diana L. Thompson has created a varied and interesting career out of massage:
from specializing in pre- and postsurgical lymph drainage to teaching, writing, consulting, and volunteering. Her consulting includes
assisting insurance carriers on integrating massage into insurance plans and educating researchers on massage therapy theory and
practice to ensure research projects and protocols are designed to match how we practice. Contact her at soapsage@comcast.net.
www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 55
