Massage and touch therapy in neonates: the current evidence

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Traditional Medicine

Background:

• Infant massage has a long history in Asian cultures.
• There is a growing interest in infant massage in Western countries.
• Evidence supports the benefits of touch and massage therapy for infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review infant massage techniques.
• To explore the benefits and mechanisms of infant massage.
• To identify potential adverse effects of infant massage.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on infant massage.
• Analysis of techniques, benefits, mechanisms, and adverse effects.
• Synthesis of findings on oil-based preparations and massage frequency.

Main Results:

• Infant massage promotes weight gain, better sleep-wake patterns, and enhanced neuromotor development.
• It fosters emotional bonding and reduces nosocomial infections, lowering mortality in hospitalized infants.
• Massage is more effective with lubricant oils; improper application can cause injury and infection.

Conclusions:

• Infant massage demonstrates significant positive effects on infant health and development.
• Further research is needed on the long-term impact of neonatal massage.
• Safe and appropriate application is essential to harness the benefits of infant massage.