Massages 'may be good for people's health'

Massages 'may be good for people's health'

Many people enjoy being pampered and using massage services in London is a popular thing to do.

A new study has indicated that as well as making individuals more relaxed, having a massage in London or elsewhere in the world may lower their levels of stress and even help their immune systems as well.

In a small study conducted in the US, a team tested the blood of 29 people who had all received 45-minute massages.

The samples were gathered one minute before the treatment, then five, ten, 15, 30 and 60 minutes afterwards.

According to the researchers, who were from the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences in Los Angeles, the massages reduced levels of arginine vasopressin, which can cause the stress hormone cortisol to increase.

In addition, the treatments reduced levels of cortisol itself.

The hormone, which is produced in the adrenal gland, increases blood sugar and is a response to stress.

Meanwhile, in findings which may interest those keen to use massage services in London, the team also found that treatments caused a decrease in cytokines, which are proteins released by stimulated white blood cells when a threat is present.

This suggested their bodies felt less under attack.

Responding to the findings, principal investigator in the work Dr Mark Rapaport said: "This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you."

He added that more research lies ahead, but it appears that a single massage can deliver a "measurable benefit".

Those keen to get a massage in London and who want to know more about the study can access it online or in the October issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

A larger piece of research is now planned by those involved in the study in order to replicate the results.

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