Massage for Allergy: Can It Help Alleviate Symptoms?
April showers, May flowers, and all that pollen! Cue the runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion. It’s Spring allergy season and before you reach for the Kleenex and decongestants maybe this is the year to try another form of allergy relief…massages.
That’s right, massage therapy is one of the best natural remedies for combating seasonal allergies. But how can massage therapy help you combat your allergy symptoms? Let’s take a look.
Understanding the health benefits of massage
Massage therapy, with its ancient roots and contemporary applications, has garnered a global reputation for its manifold health benefits - and for good reason! In an era where wellness and holistic treatments are on the rise, individuals from all walks of life, whether they're enjoying a solo spa day or an in-home couples massage in Miami, are turning to massage as a remedy for various ailments and as a means to promote overall well-being.
At its core, massage therapy enhances circulation, easing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body's myriad tissues. This improved circulation can expedite the removal of waste products and toxins, helping the body's inherent detoxification systems operate more efficiently. Not just that, but the therapeutic touch of massage plays a crucial role in reducing stress, anxiety, and tension by promoting the release of endorphins – the body's natural "feel-good" hormones. Beyond the relaxation factor, regular massages can boost the immune system, improve flexibility, and even aid in sleep regulation.
How Can Massage Help with Allergies?
Generally speaking, allergies manifest as the body's hypersensitive response to specific external stimuli, often leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny noses, and even skin reactions. The inflammatory response generated in allergies is due to the body releasing histamines.
Massage therapy can potentially play a role in allergy relief through several avenues. Firstly, by boosting the immune system, massage strengthens the body's defenses, allowing it to handle allergies more effectively. The relaxation induced by massage reduces stress, which can be a triggering factor for many allergy sufferers. High stress can even exacerbate allergy symptoms or even lower one's threshold to allergens.
Plus, certain massage techniques can enhance lymphatic drainage, the system in the body that is responsible for filtering and removing waste products from the body, including allergens. By promoting more efficient lymphatic flow, massage might help in flushing out allergens faster, and in turn, alleviating symptoms.
Best Face Massage for Allergies
Facial Massages: When sinuses are working in overdrive there’s a lot of pressure and congestion. It can also cause headaches. A facial massage uses pressure on the cheeks, head, and around the eyes to help alleviate that pressure and can also stimulate mucus release.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: During a lymphatic drainage massage your massage therapist manually stimulates the increased flow of lymphatic fluid around the body. It is known to reinvigorate the immune system and help sweep out toxins. When dealing with allergies, a massage therapist will concentrate on the lymph nodes under the jaw line as well as the rest of the body to drain stagnant lymph fluid.
And at the end of the day a massage helps produce serotonin which is the feel-good hormone. So, even if you don’t feel your best because of allergies, you can get a wellness, happy boost to brighten your mood!
FAQs
Runny nose and sneezing after massage - normal?
Yes, it's not uncommon for individuals to experience a runny nose or even some sneezing post-massage. The increased circulation and stimulation of the lymphatic system can lead to a temporary uptick in symptoms, and this response is the body's way of expelling toxins and shouldn't be a cause for alarm. However, if symptoms persist or if there's any concern, it's best to consult with a therapist or healthcare professional.
Can massage cause an allergic reaction?
While the act of massage itself is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, the products used during a session (like oils or lotions) might. It's always a good idea to inform your therapist of any known allergies beforehand or request hypoallergenic products to be on the safe side.
Should I get a massage during peak allergy season?
It depends on the individual. Some find relief from massage during peak allergy seasons, while others might experience a temporary intensification of symptoms due to the body's increased detox processes. Listening to your body and consulting with your massage therapist or doctor is essential.