Summer Flu/Cold? A Massage Might Be Just What You Need!
Dennis Newhook, RMT

Sometimes trying to keep up with all the summer activities and social engagements can deplete our immune systems, leaving us fighting a cold or even the flu in the middle of the summer,ugh! We already know 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. Researchers from Cedars-Sinai 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. 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.