However, did you know that massage can also help to stimulate and strengthen your immune system? That's correct! The same tissue stimulation that heals your musculoskeletal system also benefits your immune system, and with cold and flu season quickly approaching, who doesn't want an extra layer of defence? Find out how in this article on how massage therapy can improve your immune system.
Improve T cells and B cells
The immune system, which is your body's main line of defence against harmful organisms like bacteria and viruses, is composed of many structures and processes. Lymphocytes are at the centre of the immune system. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow and move through the body to the lymph nodes and spleen, where they fight and kill invading antigens.In order to ensure a high-functioning immune system, T cells and B cells are crucial to the body's ability to fight infection and disease. Massage increases not only the number of these cells within your body, but also their strength and effectiveness.
The T cells are particularly important in the development of antibodies; they release hormones that help B cells become antibody-producing cells, but they also facilitate the proliferation of specialised T cells called cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells kill antigens directly, then trigger the creation of memory T cells, which remember the antigen and are ready to assault again with a faster and more effective response.
Relieve stress
A person's immune system can be severely compromised by the effects of stress. Stress hormones such as cortisol, for example, can lead to inflammation in the body that lowers the function of the immune system. This makes a person more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu.Not only does massage therapy relieve emotional or mental stress, but it can also improve circulation and decrease inflammation throughout the body, thus relieving the sources of stress that drastically affect the immune system.
According to a study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), even a single session of massage can cause significant changes in the numbers of T cells and B cells, as well as stimulate the endocrine system.
Conclusion
Massage therapy not only increases the strength and effectiveness of T cells and B cells but also relieves the source of stress. All of those benefits contribute to boosting your immune system. In other words, having massage therapy can give you an extra layer of protection from diseases and prevent you from going to see a doctor.Choosing the right therapist to do your massage is also essential, and it's better to consult with a professional therapist. In Sophia’s Health, you can find several kinds of massage, remedial, relaxation, deep tissue massage or even waxing. If you don't know which message you need, Sophia’s Health therapist will help you decide it.
Source: sochi.edu
