Massage therapy is associated with enhancement of the immune system's cytotoxic capacity. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Massage therapy is associated with enhancement of the immune system's cytotoxic capacity.
Int J Neurosci. Major immune findings for the effects of the month of massage included a significant increase in Natural Killer Cell number, Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity, soluble CD8, and the cytotoxic subset of CD8 cells. Major neuroendocrine findings, measured via 24 hour urines included a significant decrease in cortisol, and nonsignificant trends toward decrease of catecholamines. There were also significant decreases in anxiety and increases in relaxation which were significantly correlated with increases in NK cell number. Thus, there appears to be an increase in cytotoxic capacity associated with massage.