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ARTICLE

The effects of massage therapy on immune function and psychological outcomes within a psychoneuroimmunological framework.

D r Judy Lovas

Good research starts with a question to extend existing knowledge.

Hans Selye pioneered investigations into the relationship betw een stress and health and dem onstrated increased endocrine activity, ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract and changes in both lymphoid tissue and leukocyte circulation1. More recently, research questions have led to evidence of relationships betw een stress, immunity and disease2. For example, stress- related elevated levels of cortisol can aggravate depression-like behaviours and symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and poor memory3.

There is clear evidence that stress can compromise, alter and disrupt cellular signals of the central nervous system (CNS), endocrine and immune systems. Since stress compromise and massage therapy (MT) decreases stress, it was natural to question how MT may affect immunosuppressive and psychologically negative effects of stress.

The effect of MT on immune functions of healthy subjects was investigated using a single case experim ental design3. Two female subjects received massage in 4 consecutive weeks, followed by four weeks of no MT. This was repeated over the next 8 weeks. The two periods of no MT were the control (A) phases and tw o periods of MT once a week were the experim ental (B) phases. During both B phases, each subject received a weekly one hour full body Swedish massage, to enhance relaxation. During each A phase the subjects received no massage.

Blood samples were taken in the control A phases and immediately before each massage during the B phases to test T and B cell numbers and activity, numbers of IgA, IgG, IgM, cortisol levels and trait and state anxiety levels.

Results indicated a consistent and significant trend of increased activity of both T and B lymphocytes and levels of serum IgG for both subjects during the B phases compared to the A phases. In addition, both subjects demonstrated a reduction in trait anxiety over the period of MT. Therefore, this research suggests that MT can produce measurable immunomodulation and that an enhanced immune response may occur from an increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

This study examined links between relaxation and immune function and is an example of research in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). PNI is the study of interactions between the brain, endocrine system, immune system, health and behaviour3. The scientific study of PNI offers a greater understanding of cellular and molecular interactions between immunity, behaviour and psychological processes. Today, PNI research continues to question, investigate and broaden our understanding of the intimate, complex communications between mind and body.

Judy Lovas conducts ATMS accredited seminars in Evidence based Relaxation Therapy to enhance patient health and improve clinical practice. w w w .a r ta n d s c ie n c e o fr e la x a tio n .c o m

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A n n u a l R e view o f P sycho lo gy, 53,83-107.

4. Lovas J, C ra ig A, R aison, R, W eston K, S e g a l Y & M a rk u s M . (2002). The effe cts o f m a ssa g e

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in h e a lth a d u lts . J o u r n a l o f B o d y w o rk a n d

M o v e m e n t T h era pies 6, (3), 143-150

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in te r d is c ip lin a r y in tr o d u c tio n . N e w York:

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