Each season presents us with unique gifts and challenges. In Colorado, we’ve now become fully immersed in Winter. Long nights and short, cold days. Sparse sunshine and a lull in social plans after the Holiday Season. Winter tests our immune system and pulls many of us into Seasonal Depression. This time of year asks us for something different than Summer. It asks us to rest, to practice stillness, to seek warmth, and to strengthen our immune health. Massage can offer our bodies all this and more.
This is how massage supports our health during the Winter and colder months:
Massage reduces stress, which in turn reduces the production of stress hormones like cortisol. When cortisol levels are slowed or reduced, we see improved function of the Immune System.
Massage increases white blood cell production. White blood cells are the backbone of the immune system. Studies have shown that with just 45 minutes of massage, you can see an increase in white blood cell production, lymphocytes in particular.
Massage has been shown to increase the production of serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. Serotonin improves mood and well-being. Endorphins relieve pain naturally. Dopamine signals the experience of pleasure. The end result being that a massage invites your body into a space of calm, peace, and happiness.
Pair these benefits with an hour of rest on a warming massage table and you’ve checked almost every box on the Winter Self-Care checklist! Follow this link for more Winter Tips for Immune Health from our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Paris Prestridge.
* Please note that you should not receive a massage if you are already experiencing symptoms of illness. Receiving a massage while you are ill can increase the severity of your symptoms and expose the practitioner to illness. If you are sick, remember to reschedule. View our cancellation policy here.
The Wellness Center is a small, locally owned wellness center, offering Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Massage in Denver and Glendale, CO.