Face and Neck Massage May Help the Brain Flush Out Waste, Study Finds,
New research suggests that gentle massage of the face and neck could significantly enhance the brain’s natural waste-clearing process.
This may offer a promising avenue for tackling neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Scientists from South Korea discovered a network of lymphatic vessels just beneath the skin in mice and monkeys that can be stimulated to accelerate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-the fluid responsible for flushing out cellular waste, including toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Using a simple massage device, researchers increased CSF flow in mice by nearly threefold, even reversing age-related declines in older subjects. While more studies are needed to confirm the effects in humans, preliminary findings from human cadavers suggest similar lymphatic pathways exist beneath our skin. The team plans to test this approach further in Alzheimer’s-prone mice. If validated, this non-invasive technique could one day be part of a novel, drug-free strategy to support brain health as we age.
Source: https://www.nature.com/