In today’s fast-paced world, our immune health has never been more important—and research suggests that regular massage therapy may play a powerful role in keeping it strong. Imagine relieving stress, easing tension, and actively supporting your body’s defenses—all through the natural, restorative power of massage. Far from being just a luxurious treat, massage therapy is shown to have measurable effects on immune function, helping to improve circulation, reduce cortisol levels, and boost the body’s infection-fighting cells.
Whether you’re looking to improve your wellness routine, recover from an illness, or simply find a more balanced way to support your immune system, this article explores how massage therapy may offer an effective, science-backed approach to better health. Discover how massage can help build resilience and give you peace of mind, backed by scientific studies and expert insights.
Why Regular Massage Is Important for Health: From Pain Relief to Immunity Support
The health benefits of massage are well-known, and according to the Mayo Clinic. This includes the treatment of soft tissue strains or injuries promoting relaxation, headache relief, and help with digestive disorders.
“Massage is also great for increasing circulation within the body, which improves tissue quality and allows people to move and function better,” Kipp Dye, MSPT, owner of OrthosportsMED Physical Therapy, told MASSAGE Magazine.
Importantly, massage therapy also relieves pain, which affects your immune response. Research shows that pain can weaken the immune system in our bodies. Scientists have found strong evidence that pain lowers key immune system parts. They fight infections and help combat diseases and cancer.
How Massage Therapy Strengthens Your Body’s Natural Defenses Against Illness
Clinical research suggests that regular massage boosts the immune system. It increases the immune system’s ability to kill certain cells and lowers T-cells. This improves overall immune function.
In this study, 20 HIV-positive men received five 45-minute massages per week for a month. The participants had more serotonin and immune system cells. These cells are the body’s first defense against infection and disease.
“Theoretically,” said Dye, “[massage] allows for faster recovery due to increased circulation of the lymph and blood vascular systems,” said Dye.
Immune Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage for Pregnant Women
A recent trial tested if aromatherapy massage boosts the immune system of pregnant women. It was a randomized controlled trial. Here’s a breakdown of the study’s findings:
- Study Group: 52 healthy pregnant women participated in the study. They were divided into two groups for comparison.
- Aromatherapy Massage Treatment: One group received a 70-minute aromatherapy massage every other week, using 2% lavender essential oils.
- Control Group: The second group did not receive any massage treatment, serving as the control.
- Reduced Cortisol Levels: Researchers found that aromatherapy massage significantly lowered cortisol, a stress hormone, in the women who received it.
- Improved Immune Markers: In addition to reduced cortisol, immune markers in the massage group showed notable improvement.
- Clinical Implications: The study suggests that aromatherapy massage may help lower stress and support immune function in pregnant women.
“The findings can guide clinicians or midwives in providing aromatherapy massage to women throughout the pregnancy,” the author of the study wrote.
Single Session, Lasting Impact: Immediate Immune Benefits of Massage Therapy
Recent research from Cedars-Sinai finds that even one massage session greatly alters people’s immune and endocrine responses, reducing stress. The researchers compared the effects of either a 45-minute Swedish massage session or a light touch.
Cedars-Sinai Research Highlights Immune Benefits of One Massage Session
Participating massage therapists were trained in the delivery of Swedish and light touch using “specific and identical protocols.”
“Massage is popular in America, with almost 9% of adults receiving at least one massage within the past year,” said Mark Rapaport, MD, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and lead study author, in a statement.
He emphasized, “People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle, but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.”
Comparing Swedish Massage and Light Touch: A Scientific Approach
Blood samples were collected at different times before and after each session. Researchers found that those who received Swedish massage experienced noticeable changes in lymphocytes, which play an important role in a healthy immune system that protects us from disease.
Observable Immune Boosts After Massage: What the Blood Tests Showed
The Swedish massage group also had decreased levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP), a hormone associated with increased stress hormone (cortisol) levels, and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, which are produced by infection-fighting white blood cells.
Hormonal and Cellular Changes Observed After Swedish Massage
“This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you,” said Rapaport. “More research is ahead of us, but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit.”
Can Massage Reduce Your Risk of Cold and Flu? Exploring the Science
Does this mean a relaxing massage session can help relieve stress and reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu?
Massage offers relaxation and stress relief, and when people are less stressed, they’re much less likely to fall ill. This is because chronic stress impairs your body’s inflammatory immune response, increasing your susceptibility to infection, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Immediate Health Boosts: How Massage Therapy Elevates Immune Strength Fast
Here’s a breakdown of the study on how massage therapy can provide rapid immune benefits, particularly in post-surgery breast cancer patients:
- Study Participants: 34 post-surgery breast cancer patients with stage 1 or 2 breast cancer were recruited. They were split into two groups:
- Massage Therapy Group: Received 30-minute massages three times a week for five weeks.
- Control Group: Did not receive any massage therapy.
- Evaluation: Participants were assessed on both the first and last day of the study. The evaluation included:
- Psychological assessments measure levels of anxiety, depression, and anger.
- Analysis of immune system markers in urine samples.
- Immediate Psychological Benefits: The study found that massage therapy reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and anger in the participants.
- Long-Term Immune Benefits: The findings revealed a significant impact on immune system markers, including:
- Increased dopamine levels.
- Improved serotonin values.
- Enhanced lymphocyte levels.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Researchers found that massage therapy improved immune function in breast cancer patients. It was especially effective for their NK (natural killer) cells and neuroendocrine function.
The researchers concluded that breast cancer patients experience significantly reduced pain and improved immune, NK-cell (natural killer cell), and neuroendocrine function after receiving massage therapy.
COVID-19 and Immunity: How Massage Therapy Supports Health During Challenging Times
“There is still so much unknown about the coronavirus, but having a healthy, functioning immune system will always be helpful in reducing the effects of the virus, if contracted, and could possibly be helpful in the prevention of even contracting the virus at all,” said Vicky Karr, LMT, a CE provider and owner of Spa Success.
“Because massage therapy aids in improving the immune system, it is generally assumed that it could help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection,” she added.
However, according to Karr, because of the close bodily proximity between “a massage therapist and their client,” all of us should be following the “social distancing” guidelines that have been put into place and not seek massage therapy until the pandemic has subsided.
Even after the pandemic is over, Karr emphasizes the importance of frequent hand-washing and that whenever you’re not feeling well, the best course of action is always to reschedule a massage appointment.
Conclusion
Massage therapy does more than relax muscles. It supports massage and immune system health, reduces stress, and can boost your body’s defenses. Science shows that touch therapy is a powerful ally for wellness. It relieves pain and boosts the immune system. Both short-term and regular massage provide these benefits. Massage, whether Swedish, aromatherapy, or lymphatic, has proven benefits. It boosts our immune systems and mental health.
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About the Author
George W. Citroner is a freelance health journalist and author who covers breaking news in medicine and health for a broad range of publications. His articles for MASSAGE Magazine include “Bill Introduced to License Minnesota Massage Therapists.”
FAQs
How does therapeutic massage help with blood pressure?
Therapeutic massage has been shown to positively affect blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. Regular massage helps increase blood flow, which helps people manage both high and low blood pressure as part of a complementary medicine approach.
Can massage really help reduce stress hormones?
Yes, research in health science shows that massage therapy reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Lowering these hormones helps promote a more relaxed state, which supports restful sleep, improved mood, and improved immune function.
How does massage increase circulation?
Massage stimulates the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body, which improves blood flow and increases circulation to muscles and tissues. This increased circulation promotes oxygen delivery and supports healing processes, which is beneficial for overall health and immunity.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils in massage?
Aromatherapy with essential oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus, improves the effects of therapeutic massage by further relaxing the body, reducing stress, and promoting restful sleep. Certain essential oils also support the immune system by encouraging white blood cell production and improving lymphatic flow.
Can massage improve immune function by affecting white blood cells?
Yes, massage plays a role in improving immune function. Studies have shown that therapeutic massage can increase white blood cell count, which is necessary for fighting off infections. By supporting lymphatic flow and reducing stress, massage helps the body maintain a healthy immune response.
Does massage help with getting enough sleep?
Massage therapy is known to improve sleep quality by lowering stress hormones, which contributes to more restful sleep. Individuals who receive regular massages often report better sleep patterns, allowing them to get enough sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.
What role does lymphatic flow play in health, and how does massage support it?
The lymphatic system is necessary for removing toxins and supporting immunity. Massage helps stimulate lymphatic flow, which promotes the removal of waste from tissues and encourages immune responses. Improved lymphatic flow is linked to faster recovery, reduced swelling, and overall improved health.
Are there significant differences between massage and other complementary medicine practices?
Yes, while many complementary medicine practices offer benefits, therapeutic massage specifically targets muscle tension, blood flow, and stress reduction. Its direct effects on blood pressure, stress hormone levels, and circulation make it a unique and highly effective option for those looking to improve physical and mental well-being.
How does massage contribute to lowering high blood pressure?
Massage therapy helps manage high blood pressure by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Studies in health science indicate that massage lowers stress hormones, improves blood flow, and stimulates the body’s relaxation response, all of which have a positive effect on blood pressure over time.
Is there a connection between massage, health science, and overall wellness?
Absolutely. Health science supports the use of massage as a powerful wellness tool due to its impact on blood flow, immune health, stress hormone reduction, and sleep quality. When used alongside other complementary medicine approaches, massage plays an important role in achieving overall health and well-being.
About the Author
George W. Citroner is a freelance health journalist and author who covers breaking news in medicine and health for a broad range of publications. His articles for MASSAGE Magazine include “Bill Introduced to License Minnesota Massage Therapists.”