Massage boosts your immune system by reducing stress and by circulating blood and lymph throughout the body. Swedish and lymphatic drainage massage are immune-boosting power plays. The effleurage (long strokes) and petrissage (short, kneading motions) of Swedish massage promote circulation of blood and lymph, helping your body to more quickly process metabolic wastes. Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, but effective therapy that will promote healthy movement of lymph throughout your body. Lymph plays a vital role in the immune response by helping to maintain fluid balance throughout your body while removing bacteria from tissues. Increased blood circulation means more efficient transport of disease-fighting white blood cells. The circulation of blood and lymph throughout your body slows down when you do, so if the change of season has you more sedentary than usual, massage may be just the boost your body needs to protect itself from the flu.
