Massage therapies and techniques have been practiced around the world for thousands of years and are included in many healthcare systems due to its wide range of mental and physical health benefits. Whether it’s India, China, Thailand or Japan, to name a few, these cultures value massage therapy as an integral part of their natural healthcare systems today.
Transitioning from Fall into Winter it’s important to establish lifestyle habits and routines that support and build a robust immune system. Of course we all know a balanced diet, proper hydration, moderate exercise and a good night’s sleep are essential for staying healthy. But what else can we do? Consider getting regularly scheduled massages.
Massage directly affects the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems and indirectly, yet significantly, affects the immune system.
The following immune building benefits of massage are not to be ignored:
- Reducing stress
High levels of stress have been shown to significantly suppress the immune system. Massage is one of the best ways to reduce stress in the nervous system and reduce high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. - Decreasing pain
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pain has measurable negative effects on immunity. Massage has a great impact on decreasing pain, which makes it easier for your body to fight viruses and pathogens. - Improving sleep
By helping reduce and balance Cortisol levels massage can help you relax and sleep better, which can directly boost your immunity. - Lowering blood pressure
By reducing stress, massage can help lower blood pressure, thereby improving heart health and immune function. - Improving Mental Health
Massage stimulates receptors that send sensory signals to the central nervous system, which causes the release of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, produced in the brain to help with pain, stress, and mood, therby making you feel better and more relaxed. - Improving circulation
Massage is well known for promoting increased circulation and lymphatic flow, which helps move healthy nutrients throughout your body and to filter metabolic waste. Studies show that massage can increase the level of lymphocytes or white blood cells, which are the cells that help the immune system fight off harmful substances in the body.
It’s best to receive a massage when feeling healthy, as a regular routine. It is contraindicated to receive massage while having a contagious viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold or the flu. It’s best to let the body rest and let symptoms subside and also to protect your massage provider.
Massage therapy is an excellent choice as a complementary therapy to conventional health care. Let your massage therapist know if you are under the care of a physician for a specific ailment or check with your healthcare provider about massage and your health condition. Massage is not meant to take the place of seeing your regular health care provider.
Explore our menu online, reach out to ask questions and give Massage a try to help improve your immune system today.