A Much Kneaded Stress Relief Solution: The Healing Benefits Of Massage

Study after study shows that therapeutic massage has many positive effects on all systems of the body, including enhanced immune function and decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels,. Apart from improving blood circulation, therapeutic massage also increases lymphatic circulation. Lymph is a waste containing fluid that circulates through muscular movement, unlike blood which is pumped through the heart. Blood vessels continuously excrete fluid into the spaces between tissue cells. Lymph is formed from the portion of this interstitial fluid that is not reabsorbed into the blood stream. Lymphatic vessels circulate lymph throughout the body and pass it through lymph nodes, which filter the fluid before draining it into the heart. Lymph nodes are responsible for white blood cell formation and are essential to the immune system. Massage therapy is an excellent way to increase lymphatic circulation, thereby enhancing immune functions. A study conducted by Diane Zeitlin and colleagues at the Center for Research in Complimentary and Alte
ative Medicine showed massage to substantially increase white blood cell count and natural killer-cell activity in fifty-six percent of the subjects.
Stress causes the body’s sympathetic, “fight or flight,” nervous system to kick in, while massage therapy stimulates the body’s parasympathetic, “resting and digesting,” nervous system. During short-term stress, which three out of four Americans complain of suffering from, the hormone cortisol is released. High cortisol levels are linked to many health problems including hypertension, ulcers, headaches, fatigue, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and weight gain. Studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami show that massage therapy decreased cortisol levels in a variety of populations, including asthmatic children, bulimic adolescent girls, burn victims, chronic fatigue syndrome patients, fibromyalgia syndrome patients, dancers and HIV positive adults. All of these groups reported decreased stress and anxiety after receiving massages.
Treat yourself to a relaxing therapeutic massage as often as possible and experience the benefits yourself. Many salons, chiropractors, and even doctors’ offices have Licensed Massage Therapists on staff. You can also find therapists that will come to your home or office. Don’t miss out on the benefits of massage therapy because you can’t afford it. Local massage schools often conduct student massage clinics at low or no cost to the public. Remember—massage is for EVERY-BODY!nn(This article was originally published in the Holiday 2001/2002 issue of pare
Teacher magazine.)