Immune System Down? Try a Massage!
Dennis Newhook, RMT

Researchers from the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences in Los Angeles have recently published a study investigating the effects of massage therapy on the immune system - their findings were promising. Although the study size was small, results indicated that this area warrants further investigation.

In this study, subjects received 45 minutes of massage therapy; afterwards blood taken before and after the treatment was compared. This analysis showed reduced blood levels of cortisol and arginine vasopressin (a hormone linked to cortisol release) following treatment. Elevated cortisol plays a huge role in the stress response. It can also lead to elevated blood glucose levels (involved in diabetes), decreased bone formation (a factor in osteoporosis), and decreased immunity.

Study participants were also found to have decreased levels of cytokines following treatment. Cytokines are proteins released by white blood cells when the body is under stress or senses danger. Reduced levels of cytokines play a role in helping people manage inflammatory or autoimmune conditions in which the body's immune system overreacts, and the body begins attacking itself.

We already knew that massage can help improve circulation, alleviate muscle tension and pain, and is a great relaxation technique; now, it looks as though the benefits are even more significant..

This study was published in the October issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Did you know CANADIAN researchers are also investigating the effects of massage and other complementary treatments? You can read more about the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada on their website: www.holistichealthresearch.ca