A single massage can boost the immune system…

Research in the US (A Preliminary Study of the Effects of a Single Session of Swedish Massage on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Immune Function in Normal Individuals. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 September 1) shows that a single massage can show considerable change in the immune system of healthy adults.

29 healthy adults received a vigorous 45-minute Swedish Massage and a further 24 healthy adults received a light-touch massage for 45-minutes. Blood samples were taken from each group both before and after their massage session.

The results showed positive changes in their immune system which included decreased levels of cortisol and anti-diuretic hormone, increased numbers of circulating lymphocytes and decreased levels of pro-inflamatory cytokines. Showing that a single massage can boost the immune system. 

There are even implications, within this study, that massage may be able to be used for management of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

This information was sourced via The Journal of Chinese Medicine.