How Massage Can Contribute to a Healthy Immune System

Massage therapy helps build a healthy immune system. 

A new study, in which 20 HIV-positive men received five 45-minute massages per week, for a month, showed both an increase in serotonin and in the cells that comprise the immune system’s initial defense against infection and disease.

Another study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles showed that participants who received Swedish massage had a significant decrease in the hormone called arginine-vasopressin, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and water retention, as compared to those in the light touch sessions. Blood samples were taken before and after each session and were used to determine blood levels of certain hormones and circulating white blood cells.

A healthy immune system is important at any time. We are not suggesting that massage therapy, or any other known health care practice, can prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other illness.