Massage has a long history of treating physical and mental ailments, and is most valued for its therapeutic properties, aiding people to feel calm and relaxed by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Massage has been utilised to treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, migraines and insomnia; amongst others. It is also credited with stimulating the lymphatic system which is a major component of the immune system, and helps to maintain general body resilience. Massage has also been shown to reduce stress levels, which have been linked to negative health impacts - with an enhanced likelihood of heart disease and weight gain. Massage is thought to reduce levels of the hormones cortisol and adrenalin in the bloodstream, which are the primary drivers of stress.
What is Preventative Medicine?
Preventative medicine is aimed at reducing the likelihood of diseases and infections affecting an individual. Conventional medicine as practised by general practitioners is not especially effective at preventing the onset of disease or ill health - rather it is primarily concerned with treating and curing existing conditions. Preventative medicine as applied to an individual views the body as a whole, and is treated with this concept in mind. Any activity or behaviour which is aimed at maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a robust immune system can be beneficial and aid in preventing sickness. This can be regular exercise, good eating habits that are based on a balanced diet or other activities such as yoga or massage. It can also involve avoidance of smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and maintaining a healthy body weight ratio.
Benefits of Massage
Massage is holistic treatment that is beneficial for the body in a number of ways, including: reducing muscle tension and stress promoting a feeling of relaxation improving circulation increasing joint flexibility stimulating components of the immune system
Immune System Facts
Your immune system is an intricate system of components designed to protect your body from disease and infection. It is extremely complex and is comprised of a number of different elements, including your skin, lymphatic system, hormones, bone marrow and white blood cells; amongst others. It works by preventing the entry of germs, or the replication of germs, that invade the body. Antibodies, which are dedicated proteins, are the one of the primary methods the immune system utilises to eliminate germs in the body.
