So it’s getting to be that time of year again, cold and flu season. I just wanted to give some information on how to take care of yourself and how massage can help you during this time. Getting a massage on a regular basis is great for you physically and mentally but, during cold and flu season it can be a big help to keep you healthy. Here are some ways that massage helps you and your body fight infection from the cold and flu:
Reduces stress thus helping your body focus more on fighting the infection
Improves blood and lymph circulation; consequently the elimination of “intruders” is more effective.
Increases overall health and this leads to better immunity.
If you are a physically active person, one massage per month during the flu season will help you drastically reduce the chances to be infected with Influenza.
If you are an inactive person, a few massage sessions per month will be best for your health.
These are just some ways massage can help you and your body fight off the flu or a cold this upcoming season. I would also like to tell you that the flu and cold are contraindications for massage. Which means if you have either one, getting a massage can be more harmful than good. Please keep in mind that if you are sick, do not get a massage. It will only spread the sickness more inside your body and pass it on to other people, as a massage therapist works on more than one client during a day. If you have a high fever do not go into a massage studio or spa for any type of treatment. It will only increase your fever and could be very harmful to you and your body. Please keep in mind that when you are recovering from a cold or flu getting some light massage treatment could help the process along. Head Massage is also a highly effective technique for recovery after the flu or a cold. It helps drain the sinuses, alleviate headaches usually associated with Colds and Flu, increases circulation, and alleviate many other symptoms. Some other Swedish massage techniques can be applied to help as well, such as light effleurage or nerve strokes, light tap movement on the lung area to help elimination of mucus, and very light friction.
Please keep in mind that when you are sick you need to take care of yourself to get better as fast as you can.
Here is a list with things that you can do to fight the cold and flu:
Spray mixture of essential oils in your home every day. Use therapeutic grade essential oils for best results. Essential oils known to fight bacteria: clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, fir, pine.
If you feel sick and it is the first day of your cold or flu, stay home if this is possible and rest in bed. This will considerably shorten your sick time.
Avoid crowded places where you can easily get the virus.
Rest well to boost your immunity.
Be physically active and get out every day; UV rays help kill bacteria.
I hope this has helped you better understand how massage helps you stay healthy during cold and flu season, when massage can help, and when not to get a massage if you are already sick. Don’t forget to show yourself and your body some love this year. Stay healthy and stay happy.