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Abstract

Background: Death is a universal human experience. The experience of grief is unique for each person experiencing it. There is emerging research on modalities that provide support for bereaved individuals including bereavement massage. There is limited information in the literature about the specific role that massage can play in supporting bereaved individuals. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the literature that reports on the use and outcomes of bereavement massage so that massage therapists, consumers (the bereaved) and other health care professionals have a clearer idea about what bereavement massage is and how it may (or may not) be beneficial. Methods: A scoping review methodology was used. Findings: Whilst few, the articles identified were useful in describing bereavement massage use, putative outcomes and hypothesis generation. Bereavement massage techniques commonly used involve light pressure with treatment involving more than physical act of massage. Outcomes may be in improved somatic, physiological and/or emotional status. Summary: This review has highlighted the paucity of research in all aspects, understanding mechanisms and testing efficacy of massage for people who are bereaved. Further research