Massages are not just beneficial for muscles and tissues; they also promote immune health. Here are seven ways massage impacts the immune system.
1. Reduces stress
Stress is the natural way in which our body reacts to challenging or demanding situations. It is natural, but chronic or excessive stress causes quite harm to the body. Managing excess stress is important so it doesn’t negatively affect the body.
The body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which contribute to several psychological and physical responses, including suppressed immune function. The broken-down immune system due to stress welcomes more infections and illnesses to the body.
Massage is one of the best ways to improve the functioning of the immune system. During the massage, the body activates the relaxation response, which is caused by the inducement of the parasympathetic nervous system. This decreases the release of cortisol hormone.
Moreover, the massage also contributes to the release of endorphins, known as the natural painkillers of the body. These endorphins are known to decrease stress levels and therefore help to improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
2. Increases circulation
Massage therapy involves techniques of tapping, kneading, long strokes, and more. These techniques are applied to the body with certain degrees of pressure. The pressure applied causes an increase in the blood circulation.
The increased blood circulation is beneficial to the body as it increases the delivery of oxygen. Delivery of oxygen is crucial to the body since it increases the cellular metabolic rate. This also positively affects the functioning of immune cells.
Furthermore, the increased circulation not only delivers oxygen but also nutrients within the body. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are very important for the functioning of the immune system, and for maintaining healthy immune cells.
Also, the messages can enhance the working of the lymphatic system. It on the other hand removes toxins and pathogens from the body creating ground for the easy functioning of the immune system.
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3. Enhances Lymphatic flow
Maintaining lymphatic flow is very important for the immune system’s function. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels that help to dispose of wastes, toxins, and other unwanted materials in the body.
The pressure added during massage therapy through techniques such as strokes and movements gently stimulated the lymphatic flow. This allows the movement of the fluids in the vessels easier, promoting the removal of toxins.
Additionally, massaging on areas such as the neck, armpits, etc where the lymphatic nodes are seen more allows, lymphatic fluids to move freely. This also helps in reducing the retention of fluids and avoids swelling caused by edema.
Another significant effect of massaging the lymphatic vessels is improved immune cell transport. The lymphatic system carries immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. These cells function to heal infections and inflammations by traveling through lymphatic vessels throughout the body.
4. Boosts white blood cell production
White blood cells are very essential components of the body’s immune system. They help to defend against pathogens and infections. The massage techniques used can help to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluids in the body. This also helps white blood cells move to infected areas, as they are been carried in the lymphatic vessels.
Furthermore, the increased cortisol levels may inhibit the production of white blood cells. This affects the immune system severely by increasing the infection rates. Massage can decrease cortisol levels thereby boosting white blood cell production.
The improved blood circulation during the massage session also alleviates the production of white blood cells. This also aids in the release of endorphins, which have a major effect on reducing pain and increasing white blood cell production.
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5. Promotes relaxation
A relaxed body and mind always have a crucial impact on the functioning of the immune system. Massaging is a great way to lead your body to its relaxed state. When the body is relaxed it produces lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Stress levels are always interconnected with the functioning of the immune system. The higher the stress levels, the lower the immune system functions. This can easily lead to more infections and illness. The massages help release endorphins which also promote the feeling of wellness.
Regular massage sessions have been proven to decrease blood pressure levels, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is related to chronic stress and often weakens the immune system.
6. Reduces inflammation
Massage has a great role in reducing inflammation in the body. The massage promotes the release of certain neurotransmitters and hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin. These hormones have healing effects against the inflammation.
The increased blood and lymphatic circulation caused by the incorporation of massage techniques also helps remove excess toxins, which reduces inflammation. Also, the friction applied during the massage helps to break the scar and adhesion in the muscle tissue, thereby reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Chronic muscle tension causes loss of mobility in the areas of joints. However, regular massage sessions can help retain the flexibility and mobility of joints and muscles. The manual stretching employed in the session has greater effects in releasing inflammation by loosening the muscles.
7. Improves sleep quality
Sleep quality is vital for the smooth functioning of the immune system. During sleep, our body undergoes many processes that are essential for the body’s functioning. This process also includes the production of a protein known as cytokines which is crucial for the right functioning of the immune system.
Massage stimulates hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which puts the nervous system in a relaxed state. This also helps in aiding with increased sleep quality.
Besides, the massage also promotes relaxation and anti-inflammatory effects to the muscles and joints. This overall impacts the body and promotes a state of relaxation. This also reduces the disturbance during sleep caused by pain and discomfort.
Consistent sleeping patterns are restored with regular massage sessions, so the body functions more effectively.