User:Echennessy/Multisensory Massage

Multisensory massage is a new type of massage modality involving the use of multisensory environments and various textures integrated into the massage session, such as scrub gloves. Erin Hennessy started this due to her background as a massage therapist who then went to school for Occupational Therapy, where she learned about Snoezelen, multisensory environments (MSE), and sensory processing disorders. Multisensory environments are widely understood to benefit people with autism and older adults with cognitive impairments.

The general public is becoming more aware of ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) due to popular YouTube videos, and massage therapy is known for its relaxing benefits. Massage is in an excellent position to create live ASMR experiences for people to imbue deep relaxation.

Unfortunately, not a lot of research exists yet for the benefits of MSE or massage. Regarding MSE, it is argued that research would hinder the concept altogether - that by having a goal and to focus on outcomes (as research does), it would interfere with the whole experience of the MSE, which is to not have a goal and to not feel pressured to have a certain outcome.