Massaging the neck and face may help flush waste out of the brain and potentially combat Alzheimer's disease.
Scientific Context:
The brain clears waste through a network known as the glymphatic system, which is more active during sleep and helps remove toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
This waste clearance process relies heavily on the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through glial cells.
Does Massage Help?
Research suggests that lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic stimulation, particularly around the neck, might enhance lymphatic flow.
A 2019 study in rodents indicated that improving cervical lymphatic function aided in clearing brain waste and reduced signs of neurodegeneration.
Some research also shows that stimulation of the vagus nerve—accessible near the neck—might reduce inflammation and support brain health.
However, no direct, large-scale human studies have yet conclusively proven that facial or neck massage alone significantly impacts Alzheimer’s progression.
The evidence remains preliminary and mostly animal-based.
Scientific Context:
The brain clears waste through a network known as the glymphatic system, which is more active during sleep and helps remove toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
This waste clearance process relies heavily on the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through glial cells.
Does Massage Help?
Research suggests that lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic stimulation, particularly around the neck, might enhance lymphatic flow.
A 2019 study in rodents indicated that improving cervical lymphatic function aided in clearing brain waste and reduced signs of neurodegeneration.
Some research also shows that stimulation of the vagus nerve—accessible near the neck—might reduce inflammation and support brain health.
However, no direct, large-scale human studies have yet conclusively proven that facial or neck massage alone significantly impacts Alzheimer’s progression.
The evidence remains preliminary and mostly animal-based.
Massaging the neck and face may help flush waste out of the brain and potentially combat Alzheimer's disease.
Scientific Context:
The brain clears waste through a network known as the glymphatic system, which is more active during sleep and helps remove toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
This waste clearance process relies heavily on the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through glial cells.
Does Massage Help?
Research suggests that lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic stimulation, particularly around the neck, might enhance lymphatic flow.
A 2019 study in rodents indicated that improving cervical lymphatic function aided in clearing brain waste and reduced signs of neurodegeneration.
Some research also shows that stimulation of the vagus nerve—accessible near the neck—might reduce inflammation and support brain health.
However, no direct, large-scale human studies have yet conclusively proven that facial or neck massage alone significantly impacts Alzheimer’s progression.
The evidence remains preliminary and mostly animal-based.
