MASSAGE ROLE IN IMMUNITY BY HUMPHREY BACCHUS, CMT

INTRODUCTION I regularly notice a lack of knowledge about the benefit of massage in keeping the immune system working at its peak condition. This article seeks to address the way in which massage benefits both the innate and the adaptive immune systems and stabilises stress hormones that can cause a breakdown of immunity. Although athletes can think of stress as being associated with training volume and load, there are a myriad of other factors, including emotional stress, job stress, diet and personal habits, that influence the maintained health of an individual. Massage is starting to be documented as an effective intervention in supporting a weakened immune system and in providing psychological and rehabilitative support. I believe that the immune-boosting properties of massage can offer key gains to those training year in, year out. As research continues into the efficacy of soft-tissue therapies, we are likely to discover more ways in which massage has a direct influence on the health of the human body.

ILLNESS AND THE ATHLETE Coughs, colds and flu are probably some of the biggest challenges for any athlete, whether professional or amateur. A spell of illness means a

ATHLETES, THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

Coughs, colds and flu are probably some of the biggest challenges for any athlete, whether professional or amateur. The innate and adaptive immunity systems are our defence mechanisms. Hormones, being chemical messengers of the body, have a unique position in directing specific processes; research suggests that massage can affect hormones, particularly the regulation of cortisol.

reduced training load, decreased fitness levels, decreased VO2

capacity and

a period of re-acclimatisation to the training programme during recovery. Much is written in sports science literature about the clear benefits of nutrition, recovery, adaptation periods and specific nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc and phytonutrients (1). We also know of possible benefits of L-glutamine, for example, to help support the immune system, positive research into immunoceuticals such as proteogylcans, and simple advice such as avoiding public places following heavy training due to the window of decreased immunity. Upper respiratory infections

(URIs) are commonly seen among athletes after extreme physical exertion and, unfortunately for some athletes, such infections are regular. It has been noted that up to two-thirds of people who complete an ultra-marathon develop a URI shortly afterwards. Research has confirmed that intense training can result in chronically depressed immune function for as long as 24 hours (2). Although it would be hard to find conclusive evidence of cause and effect in terms of the breakdown of immune function in athletes, there are a myriad of cellular states that can be maintained and improved to keep optimum health and performance in athletes.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

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THERE IS A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE

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