Winter is here which also means it is cold and flu season. There are many strategies to help keep you from getting sick like thoroughly washing your hands, especially before you eat or after coughing or sneezing and keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. These strategies prevent germs from getting into your body in the first place. Getting enough sleep each night, eating a balanced diet with many fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of fluids is also beneficial to improving your immunity and can keep you from getting sick even when you are exposed to germs. Regular exercise is another way to improve your resistance to germs since it helps your immune system fight off invaders!
Another way to improve your resistance to winter germs is through massage therapy. Massage therapy relieves sore, stiff muscles that may worsen in cold weather in addition to improving the circulatory and lymphatic systems in your body, increasing and improving the flow of blood and lymph. Massage therapy also helps release endorphins which can amp up your immune system in their fight against germs while also promoting sleep. Stress and anxiety are also lowered with massage therapy; too much stress has been linked with poor health and more incidences of colds or flu.
Adding aromatherapy to your massage can elevate your protection from colds. Essential oils have been used for centuries to improve physical and mental fatigue, exhaustion, dry skin, and irritated nasal passages. Essential oils also help promote relaxation, clear the mind, and promote restful sleep, which will help you stay healthy.
If you are already sick, wait until you are better to schedule your massage to avoid spreading your cold to other people. Get extra rest, drink plenty of fluids, and have some chicken soup. Doing too much or pushing yourself too hard when you are sick can lead to a longer, dragged out illness or a secondary infection like bronchitis. Visit your healthcare provider if you are not feeling better within a few days.
