Massage and Immunity Link

Study: Single massage may help boost immune, endocrine system.
The Los Angeles Times (9/9, Roan) "Booster Shots" blog, citing a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, reported that "a single massage produced measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults." The researchers "studied 29 healthy adults who received a 45-minute Swedish massage" and "24 healthy adults who had a 45-minute session of light touch massage." Researchers found several changes in the blood tests of the Swedish massage group "that indicated a benefit to the immune system." For example, "Swedish massage caused sizeable decreases in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that contributes to aggressive behavior, and small decreases in the stress hormone cortisol."