Self Massage to Boost the Immune System 

Tai Chi Acupuncture and Wellness Center

Self Massage to Boost the Immune System

Massage has been used for holistic healing for tens of thousands of years. Not only has it proven to help with muscle tension, stress, anxiety and depression (as discussed in my previous article), but it can also actually help boost the immune system. The effects of massage on the immune system is just recently being studied and the findings are astounding!

The Acupuncture and Massage College cites recent studies have shown “people receiving Swedish massage experience significant changes in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a large role defending the body from disease. White blood cells help fight off viruses. Massage has also been shown to improve immune function in HIV positive adolescents. The therapy has also shown to improve immunity among women with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer.” I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we will find regarding the benefits of massage for our immune 부천오피 system.

Jeff Smoot, 2015 president of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), stated “Researchers working with patients with compromised immune systems have found massage therapy can improve how the immune system functions. Those same benefits can translate to people seeking to fight off the common cold, flu and other seasonal illnesses.”

In this time of a global pandemic as a result of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to boost our immune system and keep ourselves healthy. Self massage is always a good idea! Lymphatic massage is particularly helpful to rid the body of toxins to support the immune system. It is a gentle technique, meant to stimulate the lymph nodes and move fluid through the body. (*If you have any issues with congestive heart failure, history of blood clots or stroke, current infection, liver or kidney problems, please consult your doctor before trying it at home.)

The lymphatic system runs through our whole body, but major lymph nodes can be found under the jaw, in the armpits (axillary lymph nodes) and in the groin area (inguinal lymph nodes). You really just need the light pressure of your fingertips, just enough to move the skin, not deep into the muscle tissue. The idea is to “clear” the area around the major lymph nodes and then move lymph fluid from more distal areas to the lymph nodes.

For example, you can start by lightly massaging from your sternum to your axillary lymph nodes (going across your chest or upper pectoral muscles, under your collar bone) and then from the top of your arm (including underneath) to your axillary lymph nodes, moving lymph fluid toward the area. Then massage from the elbow up toward the axillary lymph nodes, then from fingertips all the way up. On your legs, start at the top of your legs toward the inguinal lymph nodes, then from knee up, then from toes up. This is particularly beneficial to people that have mild swelling in their ankles, including pregnant women. Under your jaw, you can find your lymph nodes and gently pump them with your fingertips. Follow your lymphatic massage with plenty of water. Water with lemon will give your body an extra detoxifying boost to your lymph fluid and your overall immune system.

Stay well and hope to see you for your massage soon!

Massage and Your Immunity

Not only does massage feel good, but studies indicate it can be good for you in many ways. In addition to relaxation, stress relief and better sleep, research links the benefits of massage with positively influencing the immune system. Read the full article here from the American Massage Therapy Association.

In addition to increasing range of motion and promoting relaxation, massage also impacts the lymphatic system and the lymphatic system forms part of the immune system.  Massage promotes increased lymphatic drainage, thereby enhancing the removal of waste products and pathogens.

This increase in lymphatic drainage boosts the body’s ability to fight infection. The body has various chemicals and specialised cells to fight of infection.

The body’s innate immune system consists of barriers such as skin, lungs, digestive system and other bodily fluids. The skin acts as a waterproof barrier, the mucous within the lungs contains antibodies, the digestive tract also contains mucous and antibodies as well as an acid environment that kills most pathogens. 

Incorporating massage as part of a healthy lifestyle can assist with a much needed boost to the immune system throughout winter.

Whilst our clinic is closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 situation, our online gift vouchers can be purchased to be used once we are open once again. Have a browse here, and read

Common Health Problems: What can Massage do for YOU?

Massages are often sold as a purely indulgent treat that you get when you visit a spa or go on vacation, but there’s so much more to massage than just a feel good treat. Did you know that the symptoms of many health problems can be reduced and even eliminated with regular massage?

Here are a few conditions that massage can work really well on; a few you probably know and some that may surprise you!

Stress

It’s no surprise that a regular dose of massage therapy is good for your stress levels, it works by helping to lower your blood pressure, improve your quality of sleep, and by reducing 출장오피 your stress levels, it’s also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease.  In 2008 the journal Psycho-oncology published a study which came to the conclusion “…a significant reduction in cortisol (the main stress hormone) could be safely achieved through massage, with associated improvement in psychological well-being.”

Lower Back Pain

This is such a common problem, often caused by bad posture at work, so no wonder many employers are drafting in massage therapists to help. Poor posture and sitting for too long can cause a lot of lower back problems, as can simply getting older. Get your massage therapist on the case and you can hopefully wave goodbye to a sore back.

Sports Injuries

Fitness and sport are great for your health but they can sometimes lead to injuries and overworked muscles. A regular massage can help to heal any wear and tear on your muscles and tendons, and can also help you manage the pain from a chronic or acute sports injury. Having well looked-after muscles may also help prevent future injuries – one more reason to book those regular sessions.

Joint Stiffness

Massage can be a blessed relief for people dealing with the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other joint problems. Research published in 2013 in the Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice journal said that people with rheumatoid arthritis reported some relief from pain and stiffness after four once-a-week moderate-pressure massages, topped up with self-massage at home in between treatments. Massage can also help with your range of motion and flexibility, which can relieve pain in your shoulders, knees, and hips.

Circulation

There are a whole range of health problems that can be caused by bad circulation, so it figures that boosting your circulation will be a bonus for your whole body. Regular massage helps to get the blood moving, getting essential nutrients to where they are needed in your tissues and vital organs much faster. The squeezing and pulling actions involved in a good massage also help to flush lactic acid out of your muscles and improve the circulation of lymph – the fluid that carries metabolic waste away from your muscles and internal organs.

Migraine symptoms

Nobody really knows what causes migraines, and there isn’t a cure, but if you’re a migraine sufferer you’ll be pleased to hear that studies have shown that massage can help reduce the frequency of attacks, and lessen the severity of the symptoms. Some migraines, especially those triggered by stress, are especially receptive to massage treatment.

Skin Cancer

Of course, we wouldn’t tell you that massage cures cancer; it can’t. But in some cases your massage therapist can notice abnormalities in your skin that you can’t see or just haven’t picked up on, and alert you to them. Regular massage can also be good for your skin as it gets the circulation going and the nourishing oils used in a treatment help to keep skin feeling soft.

Allergies

A massage helps to stimulate lymph flow around your body, which boosts your immune system and can help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions.  Sometimes a therapist might be able to tell just from your lymph nodes if you are an allergy sufferer as they can feel tender or swollen.

Did any of those surprise you? Of course, you don’t need to make an excuse for wanting a massage, but if you are dealing with any of these health issues, it’s good to know that your regular massage habit is helping.