The secret to never getting sick doesn’t mean inundating your body with vitamins and other medications and pills. It’s actually as simple as making sure you are getting regular massages. Find out how massage boosts your immune system and keeps you healthy-- even during flu-season!
Protecting yourself from illness with massage therapy
Flu season is on the horizon and protecting yourself from illness is extremely important. If you're combating the flu season with constant hand-washing and boosting your Vitamin C intake it may not be enough to keep you from getting sick. Even if you vaccinate against the flu virus your chances of catching a bug are still apparent as numerous strains continue to ravage our immune systems. While massage therapy is commonly known for stress reduction and relaxation purposes, the benefits of massage go well beyond these concepts. Incorporating massage therapy into your wellness routine can have a profound effect on your immune system and keep you healthy all year long.
Research provides insight on massage therapy benefits
Research demonstrating the benefits of massage therapy continues to prevail in the medical community. Massage therapy is key to fighting off illness, anxiety, stress and more. According to research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, people who received a 45-minute massage had an increased number of lymphocytes – the white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease. Adding regular massage therapy to your overall health regimen strengthens your immune system and increases your chances of not getting sick.
Research also shows that lowering stress levels can significantly improve one’s overall health as well. Stress has long been associated with heart disease and other illnesses. Massage not only relieves stress and anxiety as you relax on the table – but it also helps relieve stress on a chemical level as well. Massage therapy can lower levels of cortisol, the hormone that is produced as a response to stress. When the levels of cortisol is up, your body's natural immune defense cells are down. These "natural killer" cells are at the forefront of your immune system's defense. When your cortisol levels are reduced, serotonin is released which is linked to strengthening your immune system and overall health.
Combine stress, lack of sleep and poor diet -- and the immune system's ability to naturally protect itself against harmful bacteria and infection is hindered significantly. A healthy lifestyle is more than exercise and eating well. Taking an active approach in reducing your stress levels with massage therapy can ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Consistency is the key
Much like working out, the long-lasting benefits of massage are cumulative. The more regularly you get massages, the better your body is going to feel in the long run. Think of your monthly massage session as preventative, natural medicine in combatting illness.
Avoid illness this flu season. Request a Reservation at your nearest Massage Heights Retreat today.
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