Blog article

PNI  is the interaction between the nervous system and immune system. Research shows chronic disease involves an inflammatory porocess and there is  overwhelming evidence that inflammation and depression are linked. Also, poor immune function is a key component in depression. This occurs via cytokine molecules that are either pro -inflammatory or anti inflammatory. So, in prolonged periods of  chronic stress pro-inflammatory cytokines increase. 

Today research is being done on telomeres - they protect your chromosomes from damage and deterioration and telomerase the enzyme that nourishes the telomeres. Shorter telomeres are a sign of ageing! So the rate of telomere shortening increases with increased stress, inflammation and chronic disease and at the same time enzyme activity decreases.

Recent studies suggest that meditation,improved diet, exercise, social support and relaxation may improve the health of telomeres. 

Neuroscientists, doctoirs, psychiatrists and researchers increasingly recognise that  psychological stress can affect inflammatory processes, chronic disease and biological markers of health and ageing. As massage therapists we can reduce stress, pain and fatigue which in turn can decrease inflammation and psychological conditions such as depression. 

On the herbal medicine front we have Cucurmin and Boswellia to help reduce inflammation and of course Echinaceae which helps the immune system to behave itself!

Join the discussion