Massage therapy does more than just relax your muscles. New research shows that regular sessions can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off illness more effectively. If you have been looking for a natural way to stay healthy, bodywork may be the answer.
How Bodywork Strengthens Your Immune System
Sessions are well known because they are it’s a great way to relieve tension and stress and promote relaxation, but a new study that was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has revealed that treatments also provide a measurable, therapeutic benefit to the immune system.
What the Research Shows About Massage and Health
Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical center in Los Angeles, California evaluated 53 people, 29 received a 45-minute Swedish session, one of the most common techniques in the U.S. and 24 received a gentle lighter touch treatment.
Researchers took blood samples of all participants before and after their sessions and found out that those who had the Swedish treatment experienced significant, positive change in blood composition.
Expert Insights on Therapeutic Benefits
Dr. Rapaport explained “This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you. People often seek out a session as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn’t been enough physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.”
Other than experiencing an increase in lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight and prevent diseases, the Swedish massage group participants experienced a decrease of cortisol levels, cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in the response to stress. The Swedish massage participants also experienced a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone linked to aggressive behavior. So for your own health and benefit get massages often, to avoid the common cold and to keep your body from life’s everyday stress.
Simple Ways to Boost Your Wellness Routine
In addition to scheduling regular therapeutic sessions, there are several other steps you can take to keep your immune system strong. Staying hydrated before and after your appointment helps your body flush out toxins released during bodywork. Getting adequate sleep each night allows your body to repair and regenerate cells more effectively. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provides the nutrients your immune system needs to function at its best.
Combining these healthy habits with consistent bodywork creates a powerful wellness routine that can help you stay energized and resilient throughout cold and flu season. Many of our clients at Happy Head report feeling noticeably healthier after incorporating regular sessions into their monthly schedule, with fewer sick days and more overall vitality in their daily lives.
Building a Stronger Immune System Through Regular Sessions
The findings from Cedars-Sinai align with data from the American Massage Therapy Association, which reports that regular bodywork sessions can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30 percent while increasing the activity of natural killer cells that protect against viruses and bacteria. This makes consistent therapeutic care one of the simplest ways to support your overall wellness throughout the year.
Stay Healthy with Happy Head in San Diego
At Happy Head, our licensed therapists offer a variety of techniques designed to promote both relaxation and immune health. Whether you prefer Swedish, deep tissue, or a combination approach, we can tailor your session to support your wellness goals. Discover all the benefits of massage and book your next appointment at any of our convenient San Diego locations. Walk-ins are always welcome, and regular clients enjoy special rewards through our loyalty program.
