IN HONOR OF NATIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY WEEK, I THOUGHT I’D HIGHLIGHT “MASSAGE CAN HELP WITH THAT?”
Massage can be an easy, non-invasive way to support your body systems to repair and perform at their highest levels. Our highly skilled therapists at Apex have taken many years of continuing education to help facilitate healing in many realms of bodywork to help our clients reach their optimal health.
Immunity
Your body’s main line of defense against infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, is the collection of structures and processes that comprise the immune system. At the center of the immune system are the cells known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are born in the bone marrow and migrate through the body to the lymph nodes and spleen where they face off against the invading antigens and kill them.
T cells and B cells are the key to a high-functioning immune system and research indicates that massage can play a direct role in increasing not only the quantity of these cells within your body, but also the strength and effectiveness of the cells. T cells are especially important; they not only release hormones that help B cells develop into antibody-producing cells, but also aid in the formation of specialized T cells called cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells kill antigens directly, then stimulate the production of memory T cells that remember the antigen and are prepared for a more speedy and effective response when they attack again.
Apex can help with massage techniques that help to relieve not only emotional or mental stressors, but also help to improve circulation in the body and decrease inflammation, relieving the sources of physical stress that can severely handicap the immune system. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) research conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that even a single session of massage could produce significant changes in the levels of T cells and B cells, as well as stimulating the endocrine system.
Depression/Anxiety
According to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, their research discovered that massage therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by affecting the cortisol levels (stress hormones) in our bodies.
More than 500 men, women and children with a history of depression and anxiety had their cortisol (stress hormone) levels measured before and after massage. After a series of studies, researchers found that massage therapy helped participants lower their levels of cortisol by more than 53 percent, all while increasing dopamine and serotonin, which can help stabilize mood. Best if working with Psychotherapy and/or counseling services.
Digestion
It makes sense that when our children have gas or a tummy ache, we help them rub their tummy to make it feel better. In the same way, with skilled techniques, massage can help stimulate digestion and aide in normal contractions of the stomach which can relieve constipation, Improve Digestive function, reduce bloating and alleviate menstrual pain.
Stress
All of these things have one thing in common-STRESS. Massage is a way to force your body out of the fight/flight/freeze response of stress and trauma into the Rest/Digest portion of your nervous system that can truly change the way your body works. Consider making massage a normal part of your lifestyle for your health. Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. In the last year and a half I believe we have desperately realized how vital this is to our overall health and wellness.
Despite its benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have. Seek out only highly trained, skilled professional Licensed Massage Therapists to help you with your needs. We only have the best at Apex.