DIY Acupressure Massage For A Strong Immune System
Katoka Massage Therapy knows that aches and pains can really take away from your abilities and overall happiness. We’re here to help you access some relief on the spot, using your own fingertips!
For A Strong Immune System, this DIY acupressure massage therapy is a must-try.
Are you susceptible to colds, gut bugs and other infections? Time to strengthen your immune system!
The immune system works to protect the body from foreign invaders and disease. You might be thinking you need a little ‘boost’. But before you head off to the health store for some supplements – can you actually boost your immunity?
While many products claim that they will boost your immune system, that doesn’t make too much sense scientifically. In fact, attempting to boost cells of any kind can actually do more harm than good. This is because your innate system is what you are naturally born with to protect you. Boosting it to hyper-drive would make you constantly unwell, as your body might not differentiate between good and bad bacteria and the like.
The good news is, your immune system can be strengthened, both with a healthy lifestyle and acupressure!
How the Immune System Works
The immune system’s basic function is to limit or prevent infection within the body. A strong and healthy immune system distinguishes between normal, healthy cells and those that are unhealthy. Cells can be unhealthy due to infection or damaged by non-infectious means such as cancer.
The body is constantly patrolling for any unhealthy signals showing that viruses, bacteria or bad cells are present. The immune system then responds to address the problem.
Problems occur when an immune response is not activated – think infections – or when a response is activated without a real threat – think allergic reactions. As a complex system, there are numerous cell types circulating throughout the body in the bloodstream and within different tissues. Immune cells come from the bone marrow and then mature. The skin is also the first line of defence for the body, containing immune cells among its layers.
The digestive tract is also home to nearly 70% of your immune system, your good bacteria and microorganisms defending your gut from infection.
Signs of a Weakened Immune System
1. You always seem to have a cold.
Most adults can expect 2 or 3 colds a year and typically experience minor symptoms that are over in 7-10 days. The immune system typically takes 3-4 days to develop the antibodies to fight off those germs. However, if you constantly have a cold, or a cold that just won’t let up, it’s a clear sign your immune system needs some help.
2. Frequent infections.
These are red flags showing that you might have a possible immune deficiency: 4+ ear infections a year, having pneumonia twice in a year, chronic sinusitis or bacterial sinusitis, needing more than two courses of antibiotics in a year.
3. You feel tired all the time.
If you are constantly feeling tired and sluggish, even though you’re getting enough sleep at night, your immune system could be trying to tell you something.
4. Stomach problems.
Frequent gas, constipation and diarrhea are all signs of a compromised immune system. Necessary gut bacteria might be low, leaving you at risk to viruses and chronic inflammation.
5. Wounds heal slowly.
When you get a burn or cut, your body protects the wound by sending fresh blood to the site, helping regenerate new skin. If your immune system is slow, wounds take longer to heal since the skin can’t regenerate as quickly.
6. High stress levels are also known to weaken the immune system.
Stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight infection. The lower your levels, the more susceptible you are to viruses.
Massage Therapy to the Rescue!
Acupressure is an excellent preventative form of medicine, making us stronger so that we can avoid disease and correct imbalances. Acupressure boosts our qi, the vital energy that flows through our bodies and serves as the foundation for how our body functions, including the immune system.
It strengthens our digestion, the connection between gut health and immunity. Our lungs are strengthened, which in Chinese medicine is considered the first line of defence.
Finally, acupressure massage therapy settles the mind, easing the stress that weakens the immune system.
The following are helpful points to stimulate your natural defences. (For more details on how to apply self acupressure massage, check out our handy tips here)
Isabelle and her team are amazing. They provide chair massage therapy at our offices and we are guaranteed a moment of bliss! Isabelle always helps in getting rid of some tight knots on my back. Very grateful for Katoka, they provide an outstanding service.
Isabelle and her team are amazing. They provide chair massage therapy at our offices and we are guaranteed a moment of bliss! Isabelle always helps in getting rid of some tight knots on my back. Very grateful for Katoka, they provide an outstanding service.
KIDNEY MERIDIAN
Shu Mansion or Shu Fu - KI27
This point is located just below your collarbones, about one inch either side of the breastbone. Stimulating it strengthens the respiratory system and is especially good for people prone to upper respiratory infections. It opens the chest to relieve congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma and cough.
LUNG MERIDIAN
Broquen Sequence or Lie Que - LU7
Find the depression in the wrist at the base of your thumb between the bone and sinew, then move two finger widths up your arm. This point strengthens the lungs, treating early symptoms of cold, flu, fever, chills and sore throat. It also amps up the body’s resistance against seasonal bugs and viruses.
CONCEPTION VESSEL (REN MAI)
Sea of Energy or Qi Hai - CV6 (REN6)
Caution: Avoid applying pressure to this point during pregnancy!
Located two finger widths below the naval. This point revitalizes the immune system and maintains overall good health.
STOMACH MERIDIAN
Leg Three Miles or Zu San Li - ST36
Located below the knee, between the two bones of the lower leg. About four finger widths below the bottom of the kneecap, on the outer side of each leg.
If this point is pressed firmly enough, it produces a strong sensation that travels down the leg.
This point makes the immune system strong and energizes the body. Helps the body to recover from fatigue.
Good to Read: Wellbeing in this Uncertain Time
*You can try almost all of these DIY massages right at your work desk!*
But wait... There's more!
Strengthening the Immune System
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Wash your hands
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Eat a balanced diet
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Get enough sleep
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Don’t smoke
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Exercise frequently
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- Jon Kabat-Zinn
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You can also learn how to use DIY acupressure massage to look after your mental health, alleviating your feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. If you’re struggling with insomnia, menopause symptoms, or any number of different conditions...