October 24 – 30 is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. And here is something about the benefits of massage that you may not have heard before.
New clinical research shows that massage therapy helps boost your immune system. The Los Angeles Times ran a story touting research that just one massage can boost the immune system. Recent studies recorded measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults after receiving a Swedish massage.
Dr. Mark Rapaport of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led the study where researchers took blood samples from people before, during and after receiving a massage.
The blood tests showed that the massage caused sizeable decreases in a hormone that contributes to aggressive behavior, and small decreases in the stress hormone cortisol. The massage participants also had an increase in lymphocytes, cells that help the immune system defend the body from harmful substances.
As we are heading into flu and cold season, you can consider a massage just another measure of prevention for you and your loved ones.
To schedule a massage with Lorrie Garcia, LMT, contact her at 901-496-2881.