Cold Weather Health

Despite the groundhog's prediction a couple of days ago, the weather has again made a turn for the frosty. Temperatures began dropping, and the flurries started. As much as we would like to think we are past the worst of it, this is Michigan and unfortunately, it's likely that there is more to come.

The good news is that there is much you can do to ensure you are feeling great no matter what the cold wether throws at you! Keeping our bodies feeling good is essential for maintaining a healthy positive attitude as well.

Here are just a few great ways that massage helps to keep you in "tip-top" shape this winter:

Frequent massage is great for boosting your immune system and preventing common winter ailments like colds and the flu. When you receive the relaxing benefits of massage, you are actively creating a healthier, happier, and more productive you.

According to a recent study by Carnegie Mellon University, the body’s level of relaxation has a significant correlation with an improved immune system and ability to fight against bacteria and infection. When the body is relaxed, NK cell numbers, the body’s “killer cells,” are increased. When you are stressed, these numbers decrease rendering the body much more likely to catch a cold.

Massage also does wonders for the circulation and lymph systems. By increasing the movement of fluid, blood and lymphocytes, the entire body is nourished. Furthermore, massage helps the body become more efficient at the breakdown and removal of harmful toxins in the body. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and increases the flow of oxygen—both of which improve the immune system.

It is important to note that if you are alrady feeling the effects of a cold or the flu, this is not the time to be receiving massage therapy.

If you are sick, your immune system is already working hard. Receiving a massage when suffering from a cold or the flu can spread it through the body at an accelerated rate, flooding the body with infection, exasperating symptoms and increasing recovery time.

Avoiding massage during the acute stages of infection will keep symptoms contained, making it easier for the immune system to treat symptoms. This will allow your body to heal faster. During this time, support your immune system by resting and drinking plenty of liquids.

The immune system benefits from massage best when it is used as preventative maintenance, while you are feeling healthy and well.

Some of the other benefits of massage this time of year are:

• Healing help with injuries

• Weight loss

• Detox / toxin release

The use of Essential Oils, Raindrop Therapy and Reiki are amazing supports in cold weather for making sure you feel your absolute best, mind, body and spirit!