Massages and Immune System Health

Holistic Benefits of Spas

Jan 22, 2009 Elaine Moore

Massage has long been known to relieve muscle tension and reduce the effects of stress. Less well known are the benefits of massage on immune system health.

Scheduling a massage at your local spa, while once considered an indulgence, is now regarded as a restorative therapy. Numerous studies have confirmed the effects of massage on immune function. In particular, massage improves the function of certain white blood cells and reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the immune system benefits from self-care. As a treatment for specific conditions, massage is often covered by medical insurance.

Unlike the immediate relief massage brings to sore muscles and arthritic pain, the effects on the immune system are subtle and develop over time. And while, one massage offers immune system benefits, regular massages show sustained effects when it comes to immune function.

Health Benefits of Massage

  • Helps Fight Infection—Massage increases the activity of white blood cells that target and destroy infectious agents. With regular massage, the immune system is strengthened rather than stimulated and it becomes more robust.
  • Modulates Immune Function—Massage strengthens the immune system, restoring balance. Massage increases antibody production in immune deficiency and reduces autoantibody production in autoimmune disease.
  • Benefits Autoimmune Diseases—Besides reducing autoantibody production, massage reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for inflammation and pain.
  • Reduces Pain in Arthritis---Besides reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, massage increases production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, effectively reducing inflammation and pain.
  • Reduces Depression—Massage increases the production of both endorphins and serotonin. Increased levels of these biochemicals effectively reduce symptoms of depression and contribute to wellbeing.
  • Improved Circulation—By stimulating blood flow to the body’s organs, massage improves circulation. With improved circulation, red blood cells are better able to transport nutrients to the body’s other cells.
  • Stimulation of the Lymphatic System—The lymphatic system is comprised of the thymus gland, tonsils, spleen, adenoids, lymph nodes and lymph fluid as well as lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels carry clear lymph fluid that circulates throughout the body, removing waste products, degenerated cells, and accumulations of fats and proteins. Lymph vessels lie beneath the surface of the skin and are stimulated by massage. This results in improved lymphatic circulations.

Physiological Benefits of Massage

  • Improves Natural Killer Cell Function—Numerous studies show that massage increases the cytotoxic function of white blood cells known as natural killer (NK) lymphocytes. This results in improved NK cell function including increased resistance to infection.
  • Decreases Levels of T-Cells—By decreasing T-cell levels, massage helps restore the natural balance between T and B lymphocytes. This improves the immune system’s ability to produce protective antibodies, for instance antibodies that target infectious agents. Alternately, in autoimmune diseases, a decrease in T-cells helps reduce autoantibody production.
  • Increased Endorphin Production—Massage and acupuncture are known to increase production of endorphins and enkephalins. Increased production of these neurotransmitters has a modulating effect on the immune system. Similar to decreased T-cell production, increased endorphins increase the body’s ability to fight infections while improving immune function in autoimmune disease.
  • Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines—Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Increased Serotonin Levels—by increasing serotonin levels, massage increases feelings of well-being and alleviates symptoms of depression.

The copyright of the article Massages and Immune System Health in Spas is owned by Elaine Moore. Permission to republish Massages and Immune System Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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