For the past two years I was lucky enough to dodge all sorts of illnesses while my friends and family members caught the cold once a year. Between eating healthy and stay fit, I would visit a massage therapist twice a week. A massage helped me eliminate a lot of stress during my university finals, while simultaneously trying to pay for rent and groceries.
Studies suggest that visiting a massage therapist will reduce anxiety, blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It will also rejuvenate your mind and body as your body produces endorphins. Endorphins are neurochemicals produced in your brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They interact with the receptors in your brain; they trigger a positive feeling in the body and also help reduce pain by mingling with opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain.
Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team studied the “Effects of a Single Session of Swedish Massage on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal and Immune Function in Normal Individuals”. The study was conducted over a five week period and blood samples from the participants where taken before and after the experiment. The study concluded that a massage has positive biological and psychological effects on the body.
Preliminary data suggest that a single session of Swedish Massage Therapy produces measurable biologic effects. If replicated, these findings may have implications for managing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
If you would like to read more about the study the article is published in The National Library of Medicine
Why stress makes you sick?
Its been scientifically proven that stress can suppress the immune system and makes you sick. When your stressed your immune system becomes weak, your heart rate raises your blood pressure and your appetite changes towards the worse; your body releases cortisol that causes your appetite to increase. Your body will also suppress the amount of white blood cells, leaving your body feeling vulnerable to viruses.
You might be covered 100% for a free massage
It’s important to know that your employer or university might cover your massage therapy visit. You should take advantage and check with your work or university if you’re covered. If you need help figuring this out please don’t hesitate to call us. I was lucky enough that my work covered 100% of my bill and you might also be lucky enough to take advantage of a free massage.