Most of us have heard about the prominent benefits of having regular body massages, such as improved circulation, decreased muscle tension, stimulated lymphatic system, reduced stress, and so on. But, “massage can also work as immunity booster” is an idea that rarely comes to our mind. Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, everybody is looking for different ways to strengthen their immunity. So, it is natural for massage lovers to cerebrate whether massage plays a role in boosting their immunity or not.
If you also wonder whether massage improves immunity, here is our answer.
Yes, Massage Can Help Strengthen Your Immunity. It is not a Myth.
Thanks to the research conducted by Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, now, we know for sure that people who undergo massage experience significant changes in their immunity and endocrine response.
Even a Single Massage Shows Immediate Impact on Immunity
Though several small studies have been conducted regarding the health benefits of massage, the aforesaid research is considered as the systematic study of a larger group of healthy adults. Based on the research results, immediate massage benefits included anxiety and a long-term increase in the serotonin values – natural killer cell numbers and lymphocytes.
Massage Therapy Helps in Alleviating Pain and Stress that Leads to Improved Immune System.
Massage therapy is popularly known to help alleviate pain. Do you know pain has a major immunosuppressive effect on your body? It is scientifically proven that pain negatively affects the immune system – the system that helps your body deal with infection and fight diseases. The same goes for stress as it increases the levels of cortisol and thereby, inflammation in the body. Since massage helps relieve mental stressors, improve circulation, and decrease inflammation and pain, undergoing massage therapy shows positive effects on your immunity.
Regular Aromatherapy Sessions Have Measurable Impact on Pregnant Women’s Immunity
Massage is said to be the best friend of pregnant women. During pregnancy, the immune system of women undergoes suppression which leads to their decreased ability to fight off infections and diseases decreases significantly. Thus, they become more prone to urinary tract infections, coughs, colds, flu, and postpartum infections. In other words, pregnant women experience substantial immunological changes, including the decreased activity of NK cells, decreased activity of T cells, and decreased production of cytokines. According to a study, aromatherapy massage significantly decreases stress and enhances immune function in pregnant women.
In short, massage not only makes you feel good, but it is also good for you at a physical level.
Find the Best Massage Therapist in Philadelphia
If you want to maximize your massage benefits, it is important that your massage therapist knows the ins and outs of the human body, how the system works, and which massage techniques encourage the production of T cells and promote a healthy lymph system. Staying healthy and having a strong immune system have always been important but have become even more crucial these days. So, when it comes to finding the best massage therapist in Philadelphia or your area, you should ensure that they are certified, licensed, highly trained, and have sufficient experience in this field.