“Connecting with friends is good medicine.” This is the title of an article by Teresa Caldwell Board in the Summer 2009 online issue of Massage Envy Magazine. Board cites studies that link having strong social support networks to physical health and mental health. Massage Envy adds that massage therapy can be used to strengthen ties of friendship. Indeed, friends can help each other achieve and maintain good health by going to regular massage therapy sessions together in South Tampa 33629, Downtown Tampa, Macdill AFB and Hyde Park.Board cites the program director of the National Institute of Whole Health, Dr. Georgianna Donadio, Ph.D., as saying, “Human beings have a very strong need to belong. Strong social networks give you a sense of purpose and belonging that has a profound effect on your well-being.”Dr. Donadio added, “Feeling that you have friends who care about you, and people whose lives you contribute to, is a real stress-killer. Any time you reduce stress, you have less disease.” Several studies have confirmed Dr. Donadio’s statement, showing a strong link between stress and lowered immunity to disease. The Health Psychology Journal documents a 2005 study that showed how the flu vaccine was less effective in protecting first year college students who were isolated socially and were feeling lonely. The Genome Biology journal documents a 2007 study which showed that the genes of people who are chronically lonely undergo changes with respect to immunity. Such studies form part of the basis of researchers’ conclusions that link the feeling of isolation with higher risks of getting cancer, heart disease and viral infections.Conversely, studies have shown that people who are involved with a wide sphere of positive social relationships and are strongly integrated with a social support network develop a healthier immune system that leads to better mental and physical health. They have been shown to have longer lives with more likelihood of surviving heart attacks, less risks of having recurrence upon surviving cancer, less incidence of upper respiratory illness, less incidence of depression and anxiety, and less severe deterioration of cognitive abilities with age.Board refers to women’s self-care coach, Corrie Woods, author of The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living, in emphasizing the importance of finding time to establish and maintain real friendships. Woods says, “I challenge people to ask themselves, ‘What price am I paying when I feel disconnected from my support system?” She gives the following advice, too: “Learn how to say no to things in your current schedule so you can make time for friends.”Friendships and relationships should now be prioritized no matter how busy one’s schedule is. In fact, it looks like the busier one is, the greater the need for social relationships to dissipate stress and ensure one’s general well being. For those who do not have such connections, Woods recommends finding ways to reach out and meet like-minded people in order to make new friends. She mentions focusing on one’s interests when choosing a class to enroll in, a club to join or a cause to volunteer for.For those who have an existing network of friends, nurturing such friendships should become an integral part of life. Schedules can be coordinated and synchronized so that certain activities can be done together. This can range from tasks to recreation and relaxation. Fun activities can be enjoyed together, like going to the movies or a play, or engaging in a sport everyone likes. The latter can extend to other health and fitness activities, as well. Scheduling a massage session together in a massage clinic is another great bonding activity. Friends can schedule massage therapy sessions together even if they opt for different massage modalities such as Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy in professional massage clinics in South Tampa 33629, Downtown Tampa, Macdill AFB and Hyde Park.
