During embryonic development there are three layers formed from which all body tissue will develop (inner layer, middle layer, and out layer). The outer layer (ectoderm) will form the brain/nervous system and the skin. Right from our beginning there is a connection between the brain and the skin. (Boundless Anatomy)

From before our birth, to our elderly years, touching and being touched have a profound influence on our lives. Via massage, children can overcome emotional trauma, and improve medical disorders such as asthma, eczema, and diabetes. In adults, touch therapy can decrease stress, decrease pain, and improve the immune system. Grandparents who massage babies are shown to have decreased levels of stress hormone and make fewer medical visits. (Field)

According to Katharine Star, PhD., therapeutic massage has both physical and mental benefits:

 

 

Therapeutic Massage has been found to be a very helpful adjunct therapy for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, ADHD, anger and irritability via enhancement of neurotransmitters in the brain.