Should I get a massage if I am feeling sick?

Should I get a massage if I am feeling sick? Should I get a massage if I am feeling sick? This is a question we are often asked, and the short answer is no. Massage does enhance immune system function, however while the body is actively fighting an illness, massage may be too taxing on the system. One effect of massage is to release toxi [ ... ] + Read More	Helpful Hints to Reduce Your Holiday Stress Helpful Hints to Reduce Your Holiday Stress By Melissa Walsh, LMT Disclaimer: I am obviously not a mental health professional, so these tips are simply meant to be friendly helpful hints with my own bias! If you think it would be helpful for you to speak with a licensed mental health profess [ ... ] + Read More
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Monday, 09 January 2012 15:17

Should I get a massage if I am feeling sick?

This is a question we are often asked, and the short answer is no.

Massage does enhance immune system function, however while the body is actively fighting an illness, massage may be too taxing on the system. One effect of massage is to release toxins from the muscle tissues and aid lymphatic function. With a healthy person this is a wonderful benefit, but while the body is already mounting a war against a virus, flooding the system with other stored toxins can make you feel worse and possibly lengthen recovery time. It is best to stay home and rest.

Additionally, if you are sick please be courteous of the massage therapist and other clients' health; if you have a fever or otherwise suspect you are contagious, please stay home. The best time to reap the immune system benefits of massage is through regular massage while you are healthy.

For those concerned about our 24-hour cancellation policy, you will not be charged a missed appointment fee if you cancel due to illness. But if it is a short-notice cancellation and you could send someone else in your place, such as a family member or co-worker, your massage therapist would be grateful!

Additionally here are a few ways to help strengthen your immune system to try to prevent getting sick in the first place:

? Have regular practices to reduce your stress in a healthy way, such as exercise, meditation, yoga and psychotherapy.

? Get as much sleep as possible. The average adult needs 8 hours per night, and children need between 9 and 15 hours depending on age.

? Wash your hands often.

? Drink plenty of water. For our climate, the average man should drink about 13 cups of fluid per day and the average woman should drink about 9 cups of fluid. A pregnant woman or nursing mother should drink an additional 1-4 cups daily.

? Maintain a healthy nutritious diet especially with foods high in vitamin E (nuts, avocado, eggs, milk, spinach, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin), vitamin C (mango, orange, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts), beta-carotene (corn, squash, apricot, beet, asparagus), zinc (dairy products, seafood, red meat, beans, whole grains) and selenium (tuna, poultry, whole grains).

? Consult your physician about an appropriate vitamin supplement to help boost your immune system.

Should I get a massage if I am feeling sick?

This is a question we are often asked, and the short answer is no.

Additionally here are a few ways to help strengthen your immune system to try to prevent getting sick in the first place:

Have regular practices to reduce your stress in a healthy way, such as exercise, meditation, yoga and psychotherapy.
Get as much sleep as possible. The average adult needs 8 hours per night, and children need between 9 and 15 hours depending on age.
Wash your hands often.
Drink plenty of water. For our climate, the average man should drink about 13 cups of fluid per day and the average woman should drink about 9 cups of fluid. A pregnant woman or nursing mother should drink an additional 1-4 cups daily.
Maintain a healthy nutritious diet especially with foods high in vitamin E (nuts, avocado, eggs, milk, spinach, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin), vitamin C (mango, orange, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts), beta-carotene (corn, squash, apricot, beet, asparagus), zinc (dairy products, seafood, red meat, beans, whole grains) and selenium (tuna, poultry, whole grains).
Consult your physician about an appropriate vitamin supplement to help boost your immune system.

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