In a time of uncertainty about health and viruses I want to address the importance of a strong immune system. Let us dive into this subject with first understanding a medical condition called marasmus.
Marasmus (wasting away) can be a life threatening condition and is brought on from the lack of touch. Let me explain the “touch” that I am talking about here, it is the caring touch from a person who cares about other peoples well-being and is intended to improve the other persons overall health. Touch deprivation can lead to serious chemical imbalances in the body because the lack of touch reduces the amount of neuroendocrine chemicals that our bodies need for homeostasis. Touch deprived people tend to find hurtful forms of sensory stimulation or abusive and additive behavior to stimulate the production of the neuroendocrine chemicals they are lacking.
Massage is a very effective and safe way to help improve the production of these neuroendocrine chemicals and improve the bodies immunity. Our immune system is better capable of fighting off viruses and other internal attackers when our parasympathetic nervous system is operating more than our sympathetic nervous system (Fight or Flight response). Massages from professional massage therapist have been proven to help people relax, come out of the fight or flight state, and get back to operating out of the parasympathetic nervous system. So in the time of spreading illnesses I encourage you to focus on building your own immune system up to battle any potential invaders so you have a better chance of not needing medical intervention.
One last thought for you….Viruses cannot be isolated and destroyed outside of the body so let us be proactive and build our immune systems so they kill any virus that tries to infect us.