Prevent the Sniffles with Massage

I recently came across this article by CNN with the headline reading "Massage: It's Real Medicine".

This made me laugh out loud. Heads up people, massage is real medicine now because CNN says it's so! Ha! Because massage isn't real medicine unless approved by CNN. Duh.

With the changing of the seasons and the cooler temperatures, I have begun seeing many clients who have the sniffles and sinus problems rearing their ugly heads. It is that time of year again. If you are someone who gets sick easily or frequently during the colder seasons then massage therapy may help.

Massage aids in:
1. Improving circulation
2. Boosting the immune system
3. Reducing anxiety, depression, and stress hormones
4. And more!

How does massage boost the immune system? Well, first of all, increasing circulation not only affects the blood, but also the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system involves the lymph nodes, certain organs, and vessels just like the blood. Ever have swollen lymph nodes due to a sore throat or your sinuses backed up and trying to drain? Massage therapy helps to improve and increase the lymphatic circulation, which helps to better filter waste out of the body. Waste examples being bacteria, excess fluid, dead cells, and viruses.

A study done with blood work drawn before and after receiving massage showed that massage does indeed  cause changes in the lymphatic and endocrine systems of the human body. For example, the study results showed that massage causes an increase in lymphocytes, which are part of the body's defense system in fighting harmful substances. In the process of winning a battle it helps to have soldiers to fight.

Starting to see where massage therapy can be beneficial in preventing illness? If you would like read more on this subject I have linked below a few articles for you:

CNN. Massage: It's Real Medicine

LA Times. Research Study (brief article)

ABMP. Boost Your Immune System

If you've done research papers for school, then you know any website that ends in ".edu" or ".org" are usually reliable sources, medical journals are another, along with other massage therapy websites, blogs, and associations.

Don't take my word for the boosting benefits of massage therapy. Check it out for yourself and come to your own conclusion. :)

~The Kneadonator