"People looking to fend off cold and flu as the winter months arrive should speak to a massage therapist about prevention strategies. Regular massages have been shown to make the immune system stronger according to studies. Researchers working with patients with compromised immune systems have found massage therapy can improve how the immune system functions said Jeff Smoot President of the American Massage Therapy Association AMTA. Those same benefits translate to people seeking to fight off the common cold flu and other seasonal illnesses.  Massage therapy increases the activity level of the bodys white blood cells that work to combat viruses. According to research from CedarsSinai participants in a Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes which play a large role in defending the body from disease.i A lymphocyte is one of the three subtypes of white blood cells in the immune system. In a controlled study composed of HIVpositive adolescents participants who received massage therapy showed enhanced immune function by the end of the week study. The immune changes included increased white blood cells knowns as natural killer NK cells which provide rapid responses to viralinfected cells.ii An additional randomized study found women with stage  and  breast cancer may benefit from massage therapy for enhancing dopamine and serotonin while also increasing NK cell number and lymphocytes. Immediate massage benefits included reduced anxiety while the longterm impact increased serotonin values natural killer cell numbers and lymphocytesiii which work to strengthen the immune system and cognitive function during sickness. Find a Massage Therapist near you A qualified massage therapist can play an important role in health and wellness. Individuals should consult with a professional massage therapist to determine the best massage therapy approach for their specific needs. By meeting or exceeding state training requirements ascribing to a code of ethics and participating in continuing education American Massage Therapy Association massage therapists are appropriate additions to any wellness regimen and create specialized approaches based on individual conditions fitness and goals. To find a massage therapist near you the American Massage Therapy Association AMTA the most trusted name in massage therapy offers a free professional massage therapist locator service at  http Contact Ron Precht  rprechtamtamassage.org mailtorprechtamtamassage.org   Davis Street Suite  Evanston IL   Ph  About The American Massage Therapy Association The American Massage Therapy Association the most respected name in massage therapy is the largest nonprofit professional association serving massage therapists massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing direct memberinvolvement through its  chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states and public education on the benefits of massage. References i Mark Hyman Rapaport Pamela Schettler and Catherine Bresee. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. October   . doi.acm... ii Diego M. Field T. Hernandezreif M. Shaw K. Friedman L.  Ironson G. . Hiv Adolescents Show Improved Immune Function Following Massage Therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience . iii Hernandezreif M. . Breast Cancer Patients Have Improved Immune And Neuroendocrine Functions Following Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research . SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association Related Links http"