Part 1 of Essay
"What general effects does massage have on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system? Also discuss the general relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland and various target organs." This essay explores the effects of a variety of massage appro ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... there is very little to be found in the literature on the physiological effects of massage and very few scientific studies have been undertaken in this area." Furthermore, the small amount of empirical research that does exist, more often than not, does not define the kind of touch or massage methodology employed, and massage is often rolled in with a range of other therapeutic methods (Westland 1993). Nevertheless, interest in massage as a valid means of therapy is on the increase and in particular in t ....