Lessening the severity of allergy through masssage

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Three years ago I was surprised when a respiratory therapist in Suburban Naperville suggested I use chest physical therapy (CPT)  also called chest percussion therapy to loosen the phlegm in my son’s lungs to help speed his recovery from bacterial pneumonia. After he coughed deeply a few times, coincidentally during and right after the therapy, I could hear the evidence supporting this technique.

CPT is not traditional massage, but it does illustrate, to a greater degree, the power of physical touch to help speed the bodies own healing process. Imagine dialing down the force used to clear the lungs through CPT but still achieving the same result—the elimination of an offending substance blocking the body from achieving optimal health.

Tip:

To perform CPT, first consult with your child's medical practitioner. Some illnesses, such as Asthma, could be made worse with this therapy. If you get the green light, simply cup your hand as if you were going to use it as a scoop for sand or liquid and rhythmically tap your child’s back repeatedly. It might feel cruel to do this, given your child’s illness, but the effect is worth it, eliminating pesky congestion.

Lymphatic drainage

Massage is a much more subtle way to unblock offending substances and promote overall health. One of the key benefits that are especially important for those suffering from allergy is lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system plays several roles in helping the body to maintain health. The body’s immune system involves a system of lymphatic vessels carrying immune cells. Lymph nodes, which are part of this system, act as filters that remove toxins before they can reach other vital organ and body systems. 

Through massage, the manipulation of the muscles moves lymph more readily along the lymphatic vessel network, helping to replenish the bodies own healing system.

For those with allergy, this healing system is overtaxed.  The immune system is constantly battling substances that are not normally offensive to the body. Lymphatic fluid increases after an allergic response. The gentle pressure of massage can help to drain this fluid more effectively and help the body to eliminate toxins.

In order to help your body optimally eliminate toxins, be sure to drink plenty of water after a massage. This aide’s the body in the process of flushing these toxins out.
 

Reducing anxiety

For centuries, massage has been used to promote wellness, reduce stress and improve health. Countless medical journals attest to the powerful benefits of infant massage to reduce colic, help babies to relax and to thrive.

In children, massage can be used to reduce anxiety, stress and fear. With Asthma, unfortunately, anxiety is often part of the package. When air passages constrict in reaction to an offending substance, adrenalin levels surge, increasing the levels of anxiety and the harmful stress hormone Cortisol.  Massage won’t cure allergy but it definitely lessens the severity of reactions by helping to reduce stress levels and promote a general sense of relaxation.
 

Cranial sacral therapy

For over two years, I have been a regular visitor to Nancy Regan, of Chi Baby massage. I made this bi-monthly investment as I noticed an overall improvement in my health, especially a reduction in anxiety, headache and sinus pressure.  In the Spring and Fall when seasonal allergies spell chronic rhinitis, Nancy would manipulate pressure points in my head, face and neck that helped to alleviate pressure.  This system of gentle touch and light manipulation is called Cranial Sacral Therapy. The concept behind this form of therapy is not to deeply kneed muscles for relief, instead, it is opening up restrictions using gentle movement. According to the Wiki, “The restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the spinal cord can be optimized as they are restored to their proper position through cranial sacral therapy”.  Again, often through simply holding various positions, relief can be found through the release of sinus pressure.

Relaxation

Allergic reactions often increase in duration and severity during periods of stress, whether emotional, psychological or environmental. To reduce stress and promote relaxation, massage is notoriously powerful. Massage can help the body to return to a state of rest, where it can repair and restore itself minus the harmful hormones involved in stress response.

For those suffering from allergy, it’s well worth giving massage a try to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.