Did you know that just one therapeutic massage from Massage Heights Houston could boost your immune system? It’s hard to believe that something that feels so good can be so good for you! However, you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it; the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in sunny Los Angeles has just completed a clinical trial that proves it! If you’re curious about the health benefits of this treatment method, here are the details of the study:
The Cedars-Sinai Study
The researchers at this medical center chose 53 healthy adults for this study. The participants were separated into two groups; 29 received a 45-minute Swedish massage session, and the other 24 were given a lighter massage. Each participant was fitted with an IV tube for easy blood draws before, during, and after the massage session. Amazingly, these blood samples revealed significant biological changes.
The Results of the Swedish Massage
The members of the study who received a single Swedish massage session received several benefits as revealed by the blood tests including:
• A significant decrease in cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in both blood and saliva samples
• A significant increase in lymphocytes, a white blood cell that is a critical component of the immune system
The Results of the Lighter Massage
Interestingly, the volunteers who were given a lighter massage received completely different, but equally beneficial, results including:
• A significant increase in oxytocin, a contentment hormone
• A significant decrease in adrenal corticotrophin, a hormone that triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol
To be clear, the Swedish-massage group also experienced an increase in oxytocin and a decrease in adrenal corticotrophin, but the changes were not as dramatic.
What this Means for You
This means that you have a great reason to go out and get that massage you’ve been dreaming about! Instead of looking at this treatment method as an indulgence, think of it as a preventative method. Medical experts have just proven that even a single session can reduce your stress levels and keep you from getting sick even if you’re already feeling great. With that information in mind, imagine how great you would feel if you made massage a regular part of your life!
If you’re still skeptical, you’re not alone. The lead researcher in the study, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, is a self-proclaimed skeptic, but he found the results very exciting and intriguing. Why not find out for yourself? Call one of our 13 area Houston locations to schedule an appointment for a healthy and disease-fighting massage!
