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A new study found that Swedish Massage may be beneficial for high stress levels and inflammatory/autoimmune conditions.
Researcher Mark Hyman, MD found that Massage Therapy increased levels of vasopressin and cortisol, leading to decreased brain activation of stress hormones; via decreased activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) activity) and enhanced immune system function.
Study Conclusion
Preliminary data suggest that a single session of Swedish Massage Therapy produces measurable biologic effects. If replicated, these findings may have implications for managing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Study Source: Hyman, M. A Preliminary Study of the Effects of a Single Session of Swedish Massage on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal and Immune Function in Normal Individuals The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Ahead of Print 2010.
