Massage Therapy and Immune Function

Swedish massage therapy may be beneficial for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, according to a recent study.

Swedish massage is the most commonly practiced form of massage therapy. Techniques include deep stroking towards the heart, kneading in a circular pattern with fingers and thumbs, deep muscle stimulation and rhythmic movements. There are many published studies evaluating massage therapy; however, the quality of the studies is often limited due to difficulties with blinding and randomization.

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California hypothesized that Swedish massage therapy would increase oxytocin levels, decrease hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity and improve immune function. Oxytocin is a pituitary hormone that may reduce anxiety, while the HPA axis plays a large role in stimulating stress.

Mentally and physically healthy adults between 18 and 45 years old participated in single 45 minute-long Swedish massage sessions, or light touch therapy control sessions. Various outcome measures, including changes in oxytocin levels, cortisol levels and arginine-vasopressin levels, were evaluated.

The researchers found that compared to the light touch control group, patients who received Swedish massage therapy had a decrease in arginine-vasopressin levels and a small decrease in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress, while vasopressin plays a role in water retention. Swedish massage therapy also increased the number of circulating lymphocytes, or white blood cells.

The authors concluded that the preliminary evidence provided in this study suggests that there may be potential benefits of Swedish massage therapy in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. However, additional research is necessary before conclusions can be made.

For more information about massage therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
2.Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. A Preliminary Study of the Effects of a Single Session of Swedish Massage on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Immune Function in Normal Individuals. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Sep 1. View Abstract

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/