Boost Your Immune System with a Massage
November 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Winter is rolling around the corner. Which means we have to be careful not to catch any cold or flue. And the most recent research tells us “relax and enjoy a nice massage” for cold/flue prevention. A massage not only relaxes the muscles after a tough workout, it can also boost your immune system.
According to a Spanish study, a post-exercise massage may prevent training related colds and even the flu. During the study, both women and men were given a mild electrical stimulation (control treatment) or a massage after 3/30-second maximal exercise sessions on a exercise bike. The end results proved that the massages actually boost levels of immunoglobulin hormone that controls the immune system.
*Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies. Antibodies are made by the body’s immune system in response to bacteria, viruses, fungus, animal dander, or cancer cells. Antibodies attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can destroy them.
Source: Journal Strength Conditioning Research, 23: 638-644, 2009
