Boost Your Immune System With Massage Therapy

Do you suffer from stress, fatigue, allergies or other conditions that prevent you from enjoying life to the fullest? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to boost your immune system in a pleasant, stress free way, without the need for taking medications with potential side effects? There is a way! By receiving massage on a regular basis.

Massage Therapy boosts your immune system by increasing the circulation of your lymphatic fluids, and by increasing blood circulation. Your lymphatic system works in direct cooperation with your cardiovascular circulatory system to keep lymphatic fluid levels in balance with blood levels, and together they work to flush toxins out of your body. The lymphatic system also carries immune cells throughout your body, which help you to fight off infections. But unlike the cardiovascular system, your lymph system does not have a large organ, like your heart, to keep it moving. This is where massage therapy becomes very important in keeping your lymph fluids moving, and helping to keep you healthier.

Try to receive massage at least twice each month for optimum results. You will also notice other potential benefits from your massages, such as better sleeping habits, an increase in overall emotional health and better digestion. Treat yourself to one of the healthiest forms of holistic medicine and enjoy a happier, healthier you.

Massage benefits may include, but are not limited to:

- Fall asleep easier and sleep longer

- Reduce stress and anxiety

- Enjoy better mental health and decrease symptoms of depression

- Improve circulation and cardiovascular health

- Manage muscle and joint pain

- Better performance in workouts, athletics and daily life

- Relieve and control headaches, including migraines

- Improve range of motion

- Decrease scar tissue and post-surgical adhesion in muscle tissue and more

Choosing A Massage Therapist

When choosing a massage therapist there are many variables to consider, but among the most important are:

• Does the massage therapist make you feel comfortable?
• Have they completed the proper training to provide therapeutic massage?
• Are they licensed or certified in their field?
• Do they have experience in treating any of your specific issues?

Do not hesitate to ask these, and other questions when searching for the therapist that will suit you best. Once you find a therapist that meets the criteria, you will be well on your way to enjoying the abundant benefits of this amazing form of alternative health.

About Corey Proffitt, LMT, BCTMB

Corey Proffitt, LMT, BCTMB is a nationally board certified massage therapist. Corey has specialized in treating pain and stress since 2009.

What Is Craniosacral Massage Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy can assist with circulation issues, even in those with paralyzing disabilities. Therapists help release the restrictions in the craniosacral and fascial systems, and encourage the whole-body-flow of fluid. One technique that can bring a lot of relief to patients with circulation issues is known as "cranial pumping." In this technique, the therapist essentially "tunes into" the craniosacral rhythm while using gentle pressure to nudge the end range of extension and flexion. The color improvement in skin can be dramatic from this kind of therapy. 

This kind of massage therapy, as mentioned earlier, has been successfully applied to those with paralyzing disabilities. Therapists can, and do, work directly with doctors to formulate a plan that's safe. These sorts of therapies can also be beneficial for those with diabetes, as older patients especially struggle with circulation issues as age progresses along with the disease. 

Craniosacral therapy has even successfully helped those with paralyzing disabilities with problems like bladder infection. Which goes to show how massage truly does have healing powers. It's encouraging to see that medical doctors have begun to embrace massage as another alternative to painful surgeries.

What is hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage therapy is a type of specialty massage using smooth, heated stones. The stones retain heat well, and aid in relaxing tight muscles while also proving a deeply relaxing experience. 

Before the client arrives, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones (crucial) and heats them in water to a temperature between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. During the massage, the therapist first loosens the muscles and warms up the body using a traditional Swedish massage (other techniques may be used but this is the most popular). Once the body is ready, the therapist incorporates the stones into the massage, replacing cold ones with heated ones as needed. If the therapist detects energy blockages throughout the client's body, stones may be left in key pressure point areas to aid in energy flow.

While hot stones are traditionally used (as the name suggests) cold stones may be used to assist with inflammation or injury (as is common in sports injuries). Those experiencing a hot stone massage may notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms:

• Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
• Poor circulation
• Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• MS
• Back pain
• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Insomnia
• Depression 

As is the case with all massage, drinking water after a hot stone massage helps to relieve the body of toxins that get caught up in the blood.