Swedish Massage Helps Ward Off Disease

by Apr 23, 2020

 

 

White blood cells

Massage is used for many health purposes, but little is known about how it works on a biologic level.

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the effects of one session of Swedish massage therapy on the body’s hormonal response and immune function.

53 healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive one session of either Swedish massage or light touch (in which the therapist used only a light touch with the back of the hand). Both interventions lasted 45 minutes and were performed by a licensed massage therapist.

Blood samples taken before and after the sessions were used to determine blood levels of certain hormones and circulating lymphocytes (white blood cells).

The researchers found that participants who received Swedish massage had:

  • a substantial decrease in arginine-vasopressin (a substance which makes the body retain fluid).
  • a decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol. (Too much cortisol production shuts down the immune system and jacks up the stress response).
  • an increase in circulating white blood cells (which tackle bacteria and other foreign matter).

These preliminary data led the researchers to conclude that a single session of Swedish massage produces measurable beneficial biologic effects on the immune system that could have implications for managing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

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References

Brenda has been a full-time massage and bodywork practitioner since 1979, focusing on wholistic mind-body healing. She owns A Touch of Wellness in Largo, Florida

 

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