Boost your immune system to avoid colds and flu this winter. This is something everyone would love to do but a lot of the suggested ways aren’t as easy as they sound. Some of them involve being fit and healthy in the first place. Going to the gym or for a run isn’t easy when you’re already feeling a bit under the weather. A proven way to boost your immune system naturally and with immediate results is with a massage.
What Is The Immune System
To boost your immune system means to increase your body’s ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and other microbes that could cause disease. The first line of defence is known as the innate system. It includes your skin and the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. As well as this, the acidic juices of your stomach kill germs on food. The second line of defence is the various white blood cells, the most well known of which are the lymphocytes(1). These recognise foreign particles, attack them and remain alert for their presence in the future. It is these white blood cells that need nurturing in order to keep you healthy.
Boost Your Immune System With Massage
Studies have proven that just one massage increases the number of lymphocytes in your body. It also has a positive effect on the lymphatic system as a whole.
The lymphatic system is a fluid-filled network which carries the white blood cells around your body. Lymph nodes are filters for the lymph fluid and are concentrated in the armpit, groin and neck. This is why “swollen glands” can often be felt under the chin when an infection is present. Having a massage helps move the fluid around the lymphatic system. For this reason it is an excellent way to boost your immune system.
Inflammation is another way your body uses to fight off infection. But chronic, long-term inflammation has been shown to have a negative effect on the immune system. As does the presence of the stress hormone cortisol. Massage is known to boost your immune system by reducing inflammation and cortisol levels. It also helps depression and anxiety. This in turn aids restful sleep, without which your body is unable to repair itself sufficiently.
Choose a relaxing Swedish massage or an invigorating deep tissue massage from a qualified massage therapist. Either will give a boost to your immune system that will help you fight off this year’s cold and flu bugs.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here