As I lie here writing this blog with a high fever and horrible achy sensations all through my body.
I am extremely conscious of how exceptionally relevant this article is as we enter cold and flue season.
Now let’s cut to the chase!
Obviously me being being a massage therapist, you know which way this article is going. Yes I am about to do a whole spiel on the benefits of massage on boosting the Immune system to ward of pathogens and fight infections.
Whilst I might be slightly biased and appreciate that some may view massage as western indulgence , coupled with the fact that minimal research on the benefits of massage on the Immune system has been carried out historically.
In recent years, however, evidence on the regulation of immune function
through massage has made certain progress.
We will discuss this evidence in due course, but first:
What is the Immune system and how does it protect us?
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.
The immune system includes white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system, such as the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and bone marrow.
Your immune system does a remarkable job in shielding you from diseases caused by microorganisms. Strengthening your immune system avails you with the following benefits:
• Improves the cardiovascular system.
• Keeps the mind in great condition.
• Prevents microorganism causing diseases.
• Boosts the body’s natural killer cells.
• Treats inflammatory infections.
• Releases antioxidants to combat cancerous cells.
• Naturally improves the body’s ability to get nourishment in vital areas.
• Decreases chronic pains and more
As you can see the Immune system carries out a plethora of complex processes in order to keep us healthy and functional.
In order to maintain this constant cycle of activities that maintain optimal health, it is essential that we look after the Immune system in the following ways:
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Try to minimize stress.
• Keep current with all recommended vaccines. Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body
Down to the nitty gritty!
Massage is a process which seeks to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, as well as relieve pain and discomfort.
In this sense, Massage therapy can help boost our immune system and flush toxins, increasing blood flow throughout the body.
In addition to this, Massage increases the activity of white blood cells called lymphocytes that help our body fight diseases and may help with reduction of cortisol that causes stress.
This is exemplified in the following video contribution from the BBC
please click the link below to
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt_Oxgr0wwE&list=PPSV
As the findings from the video suggests, massage has has the capacity to supercharge and improve the body’s infection fighting cells by a considerable 20%. This in turn contributes to building a robust immune system capable of protecting the body from illnesses and infections.
Further research into the effects of massage on the immune system looked in to the effects of massage on pregnant women’s stress and immune function.
In a random controlled The women were split into two groups: one receiving 70 minutes of aromatherapy massage with 2% lavender essential oil every other week, the other no massage at all.
Researchers found that the group receiving aromatherapy massage showed significantly reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and improved levels of other immune markers.
According to researchers, this study presents evidence that massage could significantly decrease stress and enhance immune function in pregnant women.
In a nutshell!
A robust immune system is crucial for overall health and well-being. During the winter months, it is exceptionally important to maximise the capacity of its healing properties. Massage plays a significant role in optimsing the immune system by reducing inflammation and stress response, boosting lymphocyte activity, enhancing circulation and lymphatic flow, modulating immune response, and alleviating post-exercise immune suppression.
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