How to Boost Immune System with Massage Therapy

How to Boost Immune System with Massage Therapy

Stay healthy during cold and flu season by receiving regular massages.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, unless you’re sick. Now is the time to discover natural ways to boost your immune system so that you can stay active, healthy and energetic all season long. An easy (and enjoyable) way to improve your immune system? Get a massage.

boost-immune-systemIf you’re looking for good news today, there it is – massage doesn’t only feel good, but it’s good for you.

Read more about the amazing health benefits of massage that reach far beyond relaxation, but positively affect us on a physical and psychological level.

Massage is already widely known and used to treat common problems, such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Asthma symptoms
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, like weakness in grip
  • Low back pain
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia

Massage therapy is not just a luxury – it is medicine, and it belongs in the category of “natural immunity boosters.” Here are two big reasons why:

Massage reduces stress

This is a big one. Chronic stress increases your vulnerability to illness and causes widespread damage. When stress hormones are released into the body, immune function is decreased and we are prone to depression, anxiety, inflammation and illness. Getting a massage reduces levels of these stress hormones, which in turn increases your chances of staying healthy and happy.

Massage aids our “natural killer cells”

These warrior white blood cells are the immune system’s first line of defense against illness. Numerous studies have shown that massage decreases cortisol (a stress hormone) which are known to destroy these white blood cells. When supported, our natural killer cells are able to fight off invading viruses and keep our immune system functioning at a high level.

“A single massage can produce measurable changes in the immune system…” states a study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Even those with compromised immune systems, such as breast cancer patients, can benefit from receiving regular massage and bodywork. The body’s heightened immune response following a massage session is reason enough to schedule yours.

Learn more about Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage treatments.