Massage therapy has been associated with enhanced blood circulation, which can impact various blood parameters, including red blood cell count.
Mechanisms Behind Enhanced Circulation
The application of pressure during a massage leads to mechanical stimulation of the tissue, which results in dilation of blood vessels and subsequently an increase in blood flow (Cameron, 2008).
The pressure applied during a massage acts on the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, leading to the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors like nitric oxide, which help in vasodilation and improved blood flow (Kurosawa et al., 2008).
Impact of Increased Circulation
This increase in circulation can have several beneficial effects. Firstly, the improved circulation facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to various body tissues, including the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells. By enhancing the supply of necessary nutrients, massage therapy may indirectly contribute to the generation and maintenance of healthy red blood cell count (Ernst, 2003).
Secondly, the enhanced circulation can aid in the removal of metabolic waste products from tissues, thus aiding in overall cellular health and function. This removal of waste products may help cells function more efficiently, leading to healthier tissue and possibly supporting the production of red blood cells (Best et al., 2008).
Thirdly, increased circulation from massage can facilitate a better immune response, as a well-nourished cell environment can better support the immune system's cells. Improved blood flow, therefore, has holistic effects that could influence multiple aspects of health, including red blood cell count (Field et al., 2014).
References
- Best, T. M., Hunter, R., Wilcox, A., & Haq, F. (2008). Effectiveness of sports massage for recovery of skeletal muscle from strenuous exercise. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 18(5), 446-460.
- Cameron, M. (2008). Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice. Saunders Elsevier.
- Ernst, E. (2003). The safety of massage therapy. Rheumatology, 42(9), 1101-1106.
- Field, T., Diego, M., & Gonzalez, G. (2014). Neck arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased by massage therapy. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 219-223.
- Kurosawa, M., Lundeberg, T., Agren, G., Lund, I., Uvnas-Moberg, K. (2008). Massage-like stroking of the abdomen lowers blood pressure in anesthetized rats: influence of oxytocin. Journal of the autonomic nervous system, 70(1), 15-20.