90 M A S S A G E M a g a z i n e D e c e m b e r 2OO7a s s a g e m a g . c o m

Build a BetterImmune System'Tis the season for snowflakes, fuzzy sweaters and family gatherings,but winter often brings a few uninvited guests as well—sniffles,coughing, soreness, tension and fatigue, to name a few. Whetherthese visitors announce themselves by you suppressing a sneezeabove the massage table or your clients coming in coughing, its timeto practice extra self-care.

by Brandi Schlossberg

Start by giving yourself a loving pat on theback, for your body is already hard atwork fighting the germs that cause illness,

such as harmful bacteria and viruses. In fact,while you're busy baking cookies, wrappingpresents or working with clients, your immunesystem is on around-the-clock watch forinvaders that could put a damper on holidaycheer.

One of the best ways ro ensure good health,especially in winter months, is to support yourimmune system on its quest to stave off sick-ness. With a few simple self-care measures, youcan boost this powerful system and reinforceits germ-fighcing abilities.

Warriors withinThe immune system is quite like an army,

composed oi various troops, battalions and

warriors all working together to defeat a com-mon enemy. The front line of this inner army isknown as the complement system. It's made upof proteins that How freely in the blood stream,searching for foreign substances called antigens.

Not only do complement proteins killintruders, they also signal for reinforcements, inthe form of phagocytes, or "eater cells." Theseare the troops responsible for finding anddevouring bacteria and viruses as well as dead orinjured cells.

The duties of the phagocytes don't stopthere. These hardy little warriors then travelto the nearest lymph node, where they pres-ent information about the invader they ate tothe "generals" of the immune-system army:helper T cells. Once a helper T cell recognizesan antigen, it divides and produces proteinsthat activate B cells, killer T cells and other

www.mass i igemag.com December 2007 MASSAGE Magazine 91

immune-system warriors, also known as white bloodcells or lymphocytes. Few invaders survive this full-scale, immune-system onslaught.

"Our immune systems might be the most importantweapon we have for living in the modern world," saidKarta Purkh Singh Khalsa, D . N . - C . R.H.,N.C.T.M.B., senior research scientist at Yogi Tea Com-pany. "Without this protective guardian system, wewouldn't last a day."

With an appreciation for the complex, life-saving effi-ciency of the immune system, it should be clear thatsupporting this inner army is key to self-care. Of course,healthy diet, sleep and exercise habits will always be cen-tral to wellness, but in the winter months you may needextra help to bolster your system.

Fortunately, there are several immune-system boost-ing elements that can easily be incorporated in everyday

To support immune function,begin with a bit of your ownmedicine—massage.

life, from receiving massage and sipping herbal teas toinhaling supportive aromas and getting a dose of theright vitamins and minerals.

Defensive touchTo support immune function, begin with a bit of your

own medicine—massage. Scientific studies show healthytouch is a great defender against stress, which is one ofthe immune systems toughest opponents.

"What were finding is that when you stimulate pres-sure receptors on the skin, you cause an increase in vagalactivity," said Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the TouchResearch Institutes at the University of Miami Schoolof Medicine. "This slows down the physiology, and itslows down the production of stress hormones, particu-larly cortisol.

"Cortisol destroys natural killer cells," she continued,"so if you slow down the production of cortisol, youslow the depletion of those cells."

Field is quick to emphasize that a too-light touch won'tdo the trick; moderate pressure is required to stimulatethe skin's receptors. In a number of studies conducted bystaff at the Touch Research Institutes, the stimulationinherent to massage therapy was shown to be a majorimmune booster.

One such study, tided "HIV-positive adolescents showimproved immune function following massage," waspublished in the International Joumai of Neuroscience.Researchers found that the subjects' natural killer celllevels increased after receiving two 20-minute seatedmassages per week for 12 weeks.

Another study, titled "Leukemia immune changes fol-lowing massage therapy," was featured in zhe Joumai ofBodywork and Movement Therapies. The subjects werechildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and theresults revealed an increase in white blood cell and neu-trophil counts following one month of massage, whichwas administered by parents for 15 minutes a day.

Such research points to healthy touch as a boon toeven the most compromised immune systems. Therefore,it's not hard to believe that receiving regular massage—especially during the stress-heavy holiday season-great way to support your own immune function.

IS a

Herbal actionIn between visits to your favorite fellow bodyworker, try

tapping into Mother Nature's toolbox for immune-boost-ing benefits. After all, herbs have long served as naturalremedies in the war against harmful bacteria and viruses.

"Prevention is key," Khalsa said. "Remember the oldChinese saying: Treating a disease that is underway is liketrying to make weapons while a war is already occurring."

In other words, in order to ward off the winter bugsthat might infect your loved ones and clients, it's neces-sary to begin boosting your immune system beforesickness strikes. For overall immune-system support.

92 MASSAGE M a g a z i n e December 2007 , m a s s a g e m a g . c o m

Khalsa recommends Astragalus root(Astragalus membranaceus).

"This is a renowned immune-sys-tem enhancer that's mainly used forlong-term disease prevention, but alsocan be used for the acute symptomsof cold and flu," he said. "Chinesefamilies regularly add Astragalus to thefamily stewpot during the cold season,so everyone can get a daily immuneboost."

Other herbs swing into action assoon as symptoms of illness surface.For instance, an Ayurvedic herb calledkalmegh {Andrographis paniculata)often is used to treat upper respirato-ry infections, including cold and flu.Another herbal remedy, widely usedin Native American medicine, is Osharoot (Ligusticum porteri).

"This herb is mainly known for itsuse as a powerful antiviral and anti-bacterial remedy, employed forbronchial infections and sore throats,"Khalsa said. "The root has a numbingeffect that soothes sore throats, and itis also an expectorant."

Consult with an Ayurvedic,Chinese medicine or herbal expert forin-depth information on the use ofMother Natures immune-boostingtreasures. For instant immune-systemsupport, try strolling the aisles of agrocery store or health market, wherethe most popular herbs are oftenfound in the form of tea, produced bycompanies such as Yogi Tea andTraditional Medicinals.

"Drinking plenty of liquid is one ofthe best things you can do for a cold,"Khalsa said. "So use the chance to takein some herbal tea relief"

Scented supportSimilar to the benefits of both

herbs and healthy touch, the essen-tial oils employed in aromatherapymay also aid in soothing, protectingand assisting the immune system.Whether blended in massage lotion.

massage tableswww.TopMassageTables.com

wPure Destiny

Stationary Massage Table

by Fellston - $599.00

Full line of:Massage TablesMassage ChairsMassage OilsMassage Accessories

Peaceful Escape

Massage Chair

by Fellston

$249.00'

•Real Body Works. Mastering Chair Massage DVD, Call toll free! 1 -877-589-0048with purchase of Peaceful Escape Massage Chair while supplies fast.

www.TopMassageTables.com

d for the practitioner

acupuncture& massage

;; you're looking for a new career, follow an old

path - Traditional Chinese Medicine, As an

acupuncturist or massage therapist, you'll have

a rewarding profession that is as good for you as

t is for the patients you treat

Pacific College offers;

• Accredited Masters degree programs in

Acupuncture and Onental Medicine

• Massage certificate programs

• Financial aid

• Flexible Schedules

Integrate Body, Mind and Spirit on a higher

level.study acupuncture or massage with one

ofthe nation's leaders - Pacific College.

(PacifiL" c ))f Oriental

^piKlflccollege.eduSan Diego (800)729-0941 • New York (800)729-3468 • Chicago (888)729-4811

December 2007 MASSAGE Maga i t ne 93

dabbed oti skin or diffused in the air, essential oils canhelp you and your clients stay healthy this winter.

"There are many oils that are excellent antimicrobials,capable of killing or inhibiting bacteria, virus and fungus,thus supporting the immune system in its fight to elim-inate unwanted pathogens from the body," said TimBlakely, an aromatherapist and educator for Aura Cacia,a company that manufactures pure essential oils. "Many

The body's immune system can onlyfunction properly if it's receiving thenutrients it needs in their proper form.

oils are capable of boosting and supporting the body'santioxidant abihties, too."

Blakely named lavender for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as itsability to calm and relax, which reduces stress. He alsolisted sandalwood, tea tree, eucalyptus and rose oil asother essential oils often used to support immune-sys-tem function.

"It is important that oils be diluted before using,"Blakely said. "Always read and follow any warnings or

contraindications on the botde."Be sure to talk to an aromatherapy expert for detailed

instructions on the use of essential oils. Then you canadd the scented support of aromatherapy to your self-care routine and your massage practice.

Supplementing the systemIn the chilly months that surround the holiday sea-

_son, it may be a good idea to add one more thing to yourimmune-system-support regimen: an all-in-one supple-ment that contains the vitamins and minerals you maybe missing, even with a healthy diet.

"The body's immune system can only function proper-ly if its receiving the nutrients it needs in their proper

' form," said Richard Drucker, Ph.D., founder and CEO ofDrucker Labs, makers of organic, carbon-bond nutrition-al supplements. "Only when complete supplementationoccurs, as nature intended, do we receive the benefits ofbetter health and increased immune capability."

Although the standard, over-the-counter multivita-min may be helpful, for more powerful immune-systemsupport, Drucker recommends organic supplements thatcontain fruit, vegetable and herbal extracts.

"A true organic nutrient contains carbon," he said."When carbon is bound with immune-boosting

0 Immune-System Boosters to Implement Now

Cover all your bases when it comes to giving your immune system extra support this winter. By addingthese steps to your self-care routine, you may be able to avoid the sickness and stress that have be-

come common side effects of the holiday season. Be sure to consult an expert if you have any questionsabout proper use or contraindications.

with echinacea, Astragalus, rose hip, burdock and elderberry.

[^ Maintain your foundation. Despite the sirensong to eat, drink and be merry throughout the win-ter months, it's important for overall health andoptimal immune function to maintain the basics ofwell-being: proper diet, exercise and sleep habits.

^ ^ Take your turn on the table. No matter howbusy you may be, make time to receive massage. Notonly does it feel fantastic, but it also reduces stress,which is good news to the immune system.

^ P Imbibe herbs. Nothing beats a hot cup of tea ona cold winter day, so why not steep an immune-friend-ly blend? Try Yogi Teas Echinacea hnmune Support,

Smell and be well. Incorporate aromatherapy inyour self-care ritual or your massage practice. Essentialoils, such as lavender, sandalwood, tea tree and euca-lyptus, are popular for their immune-boostingproperties.

_ Pick a powerful supplement. Do your home-work on nutritional supplements in order to find themost immune-enhancing bang for your buck.

—Brandi Schlossberg

94 MASSAGE Magazine December 2007www.massagemag.com

nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E,antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetablesand certain herbs, they are able to pen-etrate the body's cell membranes, wherethey are needed."

Make an appointment to speak withyour health-care provider to find outmore about the best supplements foryour health during and beyond the hol-iday season.

Healthy holidaysWith wintet in full swing, it's wise to

take self-care steps that supportimmune-system function, and adviseyour clients do the same. After all, sev-eral of the measures that boost theimmune system also promote telaxationand a sense of well-being—two feelingsoften missing during the stressful holi-day season.

Take the time to receive a massage orbrew a hot cup of herbal tea. Enjoy theexperience of aromatherapy, and get thebody-boosting power of supplementsevery day. With these simple, immune-friendly additions to self care, you havea better chance of keeping those uninvit-ed winter guests—stress andsickness—at bay.

Brandt Schlossberg is an avid bodyworkclient and full-time jotitfialist based inReno, Nevada. She has written recentlyy^r MASSAGE Magazine oti the topicsof "Help Clients Ditch the Dimples:Addressing Cellulite with AestheticMassage" (Noi'emher), "Sweet Slumber:How High-Quality Sleep Enables You toLead a High-Quality Life" (October),"Positive Posturing: Self Care throughYoga" (September), "Hydration Matters:Water's Role in Optimal Health" (Jtdy),"Massage Linens: Comfort is Queen"(Junf), '^Retreat to Recharge! WellnessRetreats Replenish Energy'^ (May),"Active Isolated Stretching Comes to theSpa" (April) and "How To Choose TheRight Lubricant for Every Massage"(Febnuiry).

IFast«rf

Of you

www. massageking.com• 1 r«nk«<l TnbU W«b«l«« In tka <»«rld.

Neuromuscular Therapy Certification

How to Get Certified in Just

St. John SeminarsAdivisonof if HEALTHQUEST

www.massage rnag,com

Presented by the best NeuromuscularSeminars for the past 22 years

For those who want an intense neuromuscular immersion, we havedeveloped FAST TRACK—a 13 day course in which you will get...

O More hands-on timeO More postural assessment and testingO Less Cost assessment and testing is half-priceO Opportunity to take all five courses

Enroll in NMT Pro and take the 5 courses necessaryfor certification at your own pace

TO REGISTER CALL 1-888-NMT-HEALwww.stjohnseminars.com

D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 7 M A S S A G E M a g a z i n e 95