Myth Or Not: Can Massage Really Boost Your Immune System?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you think massage therapy can boost a person’s immune system? Research states it actually can. Previously, massage was a luxury most people cannot afford. However, at present, it is becoming a part of a healthy lifestyle that most people take advantage of. Every single day, we utilize our bodies — we stress out our body and mind. Our daily activities even takes an emotional toll on ourselves. Most people know that massage can help relax a person’s mind and body. But, here comes the question: “Does it really help boost our immune system?” Multiple studies have found out that massage helps reduce cortisol (a type of stress hormone) levels within the body. It also helps decrease levels of vasopressin (aggressive hormone) in the blood. Because massage helps to improve blood and lymphatic flow, it has multiple benefits for an entire person’s body. And that includes the immune system.

Benefits Of Enhanced Lymph And Blood Flow

As stated previously, massage enhances a person’s blood and lymphatic circulation. This results in the following:

• Healthier nails and hair.
• Increase in the number of white blood cells. These types of blood cells are necessary to fight infection and heal injury.
• Improved skin tone.
• Helps eliminate toxins.
• Improved range of motion.
• Enhanced flexibility.
• Leads to a variety of benefits for the heart.
• Enhances cell growth and promotes organ function.
• Improves blood pressure.
• Leads to people feeling and looking healthier.
• Increased energy levels.
• Enhances focus and sharpens the mind.
• Enhances quality of sleep.
• Improves oxygen circulation within the blood.

Aside from relieving a person from stress — a critical factor in the formation of sicknesses — regular sessions of massage therapy can reduce T-cell levels within the body and enhance the cytotoxic capacity of the immune system. This means, the “killer cells” of the body responsible for fighting infection and injury becomes stronger. Plus, sleep is a very important part of our daily routine. If a person lacks adequate sleep, healing and regeneration becomes very difficult. This leads to a person feeling fatigued and becoming more prone to getting ill. Regular massage therapy leads to healthier and better quality of sleep. From this aspect alone, the immune system is boosted by the said therapy.

What Are The Benefits Of Strengthening A Person’s Immune System?

When the immune system is enhanced, it results to the following:

• Enhanced cytotoxic capacity of the body. Meaning, killer cells are increased and strengthened.
• Enhanced white blood cell levels which helps combat infection and bacteria.
• Enhanced emotional states and moods.
• Increased blood and lymphatic flow.
• Reduced chances of getting flu, colds, and other illnesses.
• Faster speed of recovery when sick.
• Nourished bodily functions due to enhanced blood and lymphatic flow which increases levels of red blood cell activity.

In one particular study men positive in HIV were given massage sessions for about five days per week. Each session lasted 45 minutes. This was done throughout an entire month. The study found out that the men exhibited higher levels of serotonin. In addition, particular types of cells were increased. Thus, their immune system’s front line of defense became stronger. Here’s a simple explanation of how the immune system works: It acts as a detection system differentiating regular cells from foreign, invasive cells. When the system detects an unwanted foreign cell, a person’s body releases signals where the white blood cells are instructed to fight the foreign cells. Just like every bodily part within a person, the immune system is affected by one’s emotions. Stress, anger, fatigue, and frustration can result to the weakening of your defenses. This leads to enhanced infection susceptibility and slowed recovery processes.

Massage Therapy And The Immune System

Our immune systems are actually compromised when our emotions are at its peak. This is true for both positive and negative moods. Massage therapy calms and relaxes the mind and body. This, in turn, affects our immune system positively thereby strengthening it. Because of the strengthened immune system, we experience a multitude of benefits such as increased energy levels, improved quality of sleep, and brighter hair and nails. In addition, we are less susceptible to catching diseases. And if we do catch one, we easily recover due to a faster healing process.

To Wrap It All Up

The immune system is our body’s first line of defense. This natural disease-fighting bodily system is very important if we want to keep ourselves healthy. Multiple studies have shown that massage therapy has a positive effect on our immune system. It strengthens the said bodily system and enhances its ability to fight infection. Thus, if you are keen on getting the benefits of massage therapy, find a spa or clinic nearby. You won’t regret experiencing the benefits of this wonderful experience. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]