There is a growing amount of research showing that massage therapy can benefit the immune system to help combat bacteria and virus.

If you’re looking to stay healthy and fend off colds and virus, then lifestyle matters. Massage Therapy may help improve how the body functions, by invigorating blood flow while increasing the body’s level of white blood cells it produces. Changes in lymphocytes play a role in defending the body from all kinds of free radicals that can harm you.

Massage therapy may also help to boost and enhance dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. This results in reduced anxiety levels overall. The impact of increased serotonin levels aids to strengthen the immune system and improve cognitive function in the long term.

Find a Massage Therapist near you

Ask your Massage Therapist what steps you can take to develop a healthier lifestyle, including regular massage therapy or other manual therapies. Everyone is different so it’s important to find an approach that fits your needs specifically. One person may need deep tissue massage, while another may require lymphatic drainage.

Massage Therapists are highly trained and qualified in the overall functioning of the body and can be an important addition to your health care regime. They can help with various health conditions and aid with fitness and goals for a healthier lifestyle.

To find a massage therapist near you, you can contact the regulatory body of Massage Therapists here and search your area. The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario ensures that Massage Therapy as a profession has the highest standard of professional care.

Colleen Helgason, RMT

Sun & Moon Integrated Wellness is located in the beaches area of Toronto

Working in a clinical setting, people often ask me questions like, “what are the benefits of cupping?” “Is cupping dangerous?” or “What, if any are the side effects of cupping?” As a massage therapist, I’m here to answer these questions for you.

Cupping is like an inverse deep tissue massage. It pulls muscular and fascial tissues up and out, stretching and releasing them to relieve restrictions. It also brings blood flow from the core to the surface, where it can nourish and oxygenate these tissues.

Many people wonder if it’s dangerous, and want to know why it leaves marks that look like bruising. Cupping pulls the blood flow nearer to the surface, without damaging the tissues the way a blunt force would that would cause a bruise. This method is completely safe when used by a professional who has been trained in cupping, like a massage therapist.

The benefits to cupping far outweigh the nasty looking marks (in my opinion!). I’ve seen patients who were in pain get relief by using cupping when massage therapy alone didn’t give the same results. For that reason I like to use cupping in most of my massage therapy sessions. It enhances the treatment results and leaves patients feeling relieved, relaxed and invigorated. I especially like to use this technique for patients who love deep tissue massage.

The only side effect of cupping is the round marks the cups leave, and there can be some tenderness to the tissues afterwards. People may also notice tenderness after a deep tissue massage. A good therapist should be mindful of their patient’s needs, and the intensity of the cups should be adjusted for each person individually depending on sensitivity.

All in all I give cupping a big thumbs up! It is safe and beneficial for most people, and aids in relaxation and pain relief. For more questions on cupping or to book a session please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Try it out and let me know what you think!

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