Staying healthy this winter – have a regular massage!
The heating is finally on, there have been ground frosts outside London and children are wrapped up in thick coats on their walk to school. It’s cold, its autumn and winter is fast approaching – the season of colds, flu and unwanted virus’s.
If you find yourself suffering from cold symptoms or virus aches and pains in the body it is not advisable to have a massage, if you have already got one booked – please let me know as soon as possible and I will rearrange the appointment for when you are feeling well again. When suffering from a cold or flu, a massage will not provide any relief to achy muscles but instead speed up the virus in the body and actually make you feel worse. Myself, or any other massage therapist would not want to catch your cold either!
How can massage help battle winter illnesses?
Massage actually helps the body maintain an overall level of health; it stimulates the nervous system, blood vessels and lymphatic system, and is associated with general relaxation, wellbeing and a significant reduction in stress – as we have touched upon in my previous posts. The release of adrenalin which occurs when the body is anxious or stressed stimulates the production of cortisol; a chemical associated with increased levels of body fat and diminished immunity. Regular massage promotes relaxation and deeper breathing which can in turn can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and the heart rate in the body. Massage is known to stimulate the release of endorphins in the body, which in turn stimulates the immune system. A healthy immune system is crucial in staving off infections which are spread by being in contact with people.
The research
A study which appears in October 2010 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concludes that a single massage produced measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults.
The study consisted of 29 healthy adults who received a 45 minute Swedish massage and 24 healthy adults who had a 45 minute session of light touch massage, which acted as the control and a lot less vigorous than the Swedish technique. Blood samples were taken before the massage began and at regular intervals up to one hour after the massage was completed. The study found several changes in the blood tests of the Swedish massage group that indicated a benefit to the immune system. The more vigorous massage caused large decreases in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that contributes to aggressive behavior, and small decreases in the stress hormone cortisol. The Swedish massage participants also had an increase in lymphocytes; cells that help the immune system defend the body from harmful substances.
Of course we cannot rely on massage alone to prevent us from becoming ill. Following a healthy balanced lifestyle is important to avoid infections. This would include keeping yourself fit and physically active, maintaining a balanced diet to keep the immune system robust, making sure you get adequate rest and sleep, washing hands regularly and avoiding people who are infected.
But, why not try and include a regular massage to maintain a healthy lifestyle and boost your immunity this winter?
Timo
Timo Massage Therapy
Monday, 22 October 2012
