How Massage Can Support Your Immune System this Fall Season
When most people think of massage, the first things to come to mind are relaxation and soothing overworked muscles. While these are wonderful benefits, massage can also support the body in ways that positively influence the immune system.
Stress + Immunity Connection
Stress is known to take a toll on our health. High stress can make the body feel run down, leaving us vulnerable to illness, especially during cold and flu season. Massage encourages relaxation and helps calm the nervous system, allowing the body to shift into a “rest and repair” state. When the body spends more time in this state, it can use energy more effectively to maintain healthy function, including immune function.
Circulation + Lymphatic Flow
Massage techniques that promote circulation also support the body’s natural detox and defense processes. Increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, while gentle movements of muscles and tissues encourage lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system plays a key role in carrying away waste and supporting immune defenses.
Research on Massage + Immunity
Studies have begun to reveal just how massage may support the immune system:
In one study featured by the BBC, participants experienced an impressive 30% increase in T cells, the immune system’s infection-fighting cells, immediately after a one-hour massage.
Other studies show boosts in salivary immunoglobulin A, and natural killer cell activity, both are cells that protect the body from sickness, after massage.
While more research is needed to fully understand the connection, these findings point toward massages as a meaningful way to support the body’s natural defenses.
Mind-Body Wellness
An integrative massage session takes into account your whole being: physical, mental and emotional. By creating balance in both body and mind, massage helps cultivate resilience. This holistic support encourages the body to function at its best, which naturally includes immune health.
Consistency Matters
Just like exercise, hydration and rest, regular massage can become part of a healthy lifestyle routine. While one session can leave you feeling refreshed, consistent integrative massage may help sustain relaxation, circulation, and overall well-being, giving your body steady support as it maintains balance.
Final Thoughts
Integrative massage is not a cure of treatment for illness, but it is a powerful way to nurture your whole self. By reducing stress, supporting circulation and promoting balance, massage creates the conditions for your body, including your immune system, to thrive.
