Recent studies show that massage creates measurable changes in the body's immune and endocrine responses. The study was conducted by researchers at the Cedar-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and is the first scientific study of the health benefits of massage to be conducted on a large group of healthy adults. The study consisted of one group receiving 45 minutes of Swedish massage and another receiving 45 minutes of light touch massage. Each participant was fitted with an intravenous catheter to take blood samples before the massage and at regular intervals afterward. Results from the Swedish massage group included a significant increase in lymphocytes, decrease in arginine vasopressin - a hormone that plays a role in aggressive behavior - and a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. There was also a notable decrease in cytokines, which are produced by stimulated white blood cells to indicate that the immune system is under attack. Researchers believe lowered cytokine levels could be linked to lower risks for and better management of autoimmune conditions such as cancer. Results from the light touch massage group include greater increases in oxytocin, a hormone linked to improved mood and larger decreases in adrenal corticotropin hormone, which leads to production of cortisol. Overall, the massages led to an increase in the immune system's defensive abilities, decreased biological impacts of stress and may even help to mitigate the effects of autoimmune diseases.
-compiled by Maria Malas
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