Massage Stimulates the Immune System

Massage Stimulates the Immune System

Research shows that massage produces measurable changes in the immune system. Massage session relaxes the body, relieve anxiety, and even help you sleep better at night.

A recent study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that massage can also help to the extent of the disease.

In the study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the empirically recruited 53 healthy adults aged 18-45 years and is divided into two groups. The first group received the traditional Swedish massage session by a certified massage therapist and a second group received a session of soft touch, no actual massage techniques.

Each participant received intravenous therapy (IV), which is inserted in the arm for the duration of the massage and a couple of hours later, then blood is drawn from various intervals to measure levels of hormones and the immune system.

Researchers have been working under the theory that massage increases oxytocin in the body, or the "hormone of love", which in itself helps regulate levels of hormones associated with stress. However, they found that this did not happen. Because the person who receives the "light touch" (second group) actually experienced an increase of oxytocin was greater than getting a massage (first group). However, unlike the light touch, massage recipients experienced a significant reduction in stress hormones and increasing production of various cells of the body that enhance the immune response.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can help boost your immune system and help you cope with stress, even if they get sick or stress.

"I am very interested in our results," said Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

"I've always wondered what massage functions for many people report feeling better after doing it? We found that biological changes occur as a result of even a massage, and that this change is also beneficial for healthy individuals. "

Massage routine for body and mind. Here's a tip for a massage health benefits:

Find a certified therapist

Recipients of massage in this study received treatment from a certified therapist to ensure consistency and high quality. To get the same, should license massage therapist.

own hand massage

Yet the body is massaged to produce biological changes as seen in this study, other studies have found that a simple hand massage for five minutes was also able to reduce stress levels.

Feel the love in other ways

Dr. Rapaport notes that there are significant increases in levels of oxytocin receptor full body massage, but people in the group receiving a gentle massage.

There are many simple ways that can increase levels of oxytocin in the body, but not a massage, such as holding hands, caressing the animal, and listen to relaxing music.

http://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/2010/10/15/27/383002/27/pijat-tingkatkan-imunitas