Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years and has served several purposes. Today, it is often sought out to help relieve pain, induce relaxation, alleviate anxiety and depression, and aid in a feeling of overall well-being. But did you know that this type of therapy can also help bolster your immune system as well?
Massage Therapy and Your Immune System
While a massage may make you feel good, it can also help your body combat everything from colds and flu to cancer, all by boosting your body’s remarkable natural immunity.
How does it do this, you ask? There are actually a couple of factors that connect massage to a stronger, more efficient immunity response. Massaging causes the following:
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An increased number of lymphocytes in your bloodstream
These lymphocytes play a major role in defending the body from diseases.
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell, which are tasked with fighting off viruses. As the increased number of lymphocytes make their way throughout your body, they eliminate whatever pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and other such microorganisms) they come across, and also eliminate other wastes found in your bloodstream. This all serves to boost the infection-fighting abilities you have within your body, thus improving your immune system.
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Reduction in the levels of cortisol in the body
Cortisol itself is a hormone, known to be produced in response to stress. Higher levels of cortisol in the body can not only increase your blood pressure but also reduce the number of natural killer cells (called T-cells) contained within your body. These natural killer cells are your immunity’s first line of defense against the numerous invading illnesses out there in the world today.
More simply put, cortisol destroys these natural killer cells, leaving you more vulnerable to illness. With massaging, the level of cortisol in your body is greatly lowered, which allows these killer cells to remain and more efficiently protect you.
In addition, massaging techniques can lead to relaxation, better sleep, and better digestion. These can all help the body remain strong and increase its ability to fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and infection.
Benefits of Consistent Massaging Therapy
To benefit your overall health and give your body what it needs to fight off viruses and other such bodily invaders, we recommend adding a consistent massaging schedule to your health and wellness strategy.
Maintaining a consistent massaging schedule will provide an overall cumulative effect on your health. It will also provide peace of mind that you are doing all you can to stay well.
Each massage serves as a building block, building upon each other to create optimum health within your body.
Cumulative long-term health benefits that can be provided by consistent massaging therapy include:
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Managed Stress Levels
By now, you know that long-term stress can take a debilitating toll on your body, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. By maintaining a consistent schedule of therapy, you will be proactively managing your stress levels, and disarming the effects caused by stress on your health.
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Improved Circulation
The pressure created by massaging techniques helps remove congestion in the bloodstream and makes way for fresh blood to circulate. This improved circulation will allow proper and efficient functioning of your heart, lungs, and muscles.
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Managed Pain
Your masseuse can concentrate on specific problem areas, which can lead to reduced muscle stiffness and increased circulation, helping with pain management.
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Bolstered Immunity
As mentioned previously, this therapy can strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) and also the body’s natural killer cells. Continuous massaging therapy can bolster your immunity long-term.
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Decreased Levels of Anxiety and Depression
Massaging increases the level of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters in the body, which can help lower anxiety and also help with depression.
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Released Muscle Tension in the Body
Muscle tension in the body can not only cause undue stress, but it can also make you prone to injury. This tension may be worked out in a single session; however, it will return. Consistent massaging on a regular basis will help keep this in check.
We can all use a little help these days in maintaining our health. With open borders and international travel so readily available, opportunities for exposure to old and new illnesses alike are abundant and can be overwhelming. Doing whatever we can to help our bodies stay healthy and work at maximum capacity to fight off anything that comes our way is imperative, now more than ever.
If you’re ready to start improving your long-term health and boosting your immunity with consistent massaging therapy, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our masseuses are ready to help you get started with health fortifying, immune-boosting massaging techniques today.
We offer special pricing that’s sure to meet your needs as well. Come enjoy the tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere of our spa and start on your path to overall good health and well-being.
