Massage Therapy Can Help Prevent Flu

The summer is upon us and you want to make it the happiest, healthiest summer vacation yet. Nothing gets in the way of this like a cold. Once you feel that telltale tickle in your throat or the first sniffle of congestion, it’s too late. Symptoms of the flu or colds can emerge about a day to four days after you’ve been exposed to the virus.

How massage therapy can help?

The key to staying on top of the ball is tied closely to sleep. When your body is poorly rested, you are more susceptible to illness because your mind and body are taxed, unable to function properly.

In a study published in Arch, 153 healthy people were exposed to the common cold virus. Those who slept fewer than 7 hours were almost three times more likely to develop a cold than those with 8 or more hours of sleep.

With massage as a part of your routine, catching up on sleep at night will come much more easily. Massage therapy is proven to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and release endorphins. Feeling more relaxed and at ease after a massage, you will quickly drift into a more restful sleep at night.

The body’s level of relaxation is significantly correlated to an improved immune system and ability to fight against bacteria and infection. When the body is relaxed, the body’s “killer cells,” are increased. When you are stressed, these numbers decrease rendering the body much more likely to catch a cold.

Furthermore, the rejuvenating touch of massage does wonders for the circulation and lymph systems. By increasing the movement of fluid, blood and lymphocytes, the entire body is nourished and more efficient in destructing and removing harmful waste within the body. This also helps to regulate blood pressure and increases the flow of oxygen—both of which improve the immune system. We all know the annoyance that comes with cold or flu – the sinus pressure, sore throats, coughing, headaches.

Massage therapy may not only prevent you from getting these types of illnesses, but it could also help you cut down the recovery time to as little as one or two days. This is possible because massage therapy can help:

• Reduce your stress level – Stress is a factor that causes a weakened immune system, and it is much easier to develop a cold or flu when your immune system is dampened.
• Improve your blood flow – Massages are also known for increasing the circulation in your body, and this causes blood to flow more freely. This is another important element in battling sicknesses.
• Target your lymphatic system – This is the bodily system that is responsible for eliminating toxins from your body, and massage therapy is known for stimulating this system.

Because of these things, you may not have to worry about getting or staying sick during the cold and flu season in a tropical country.

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