Stress Relief
Stress and the Body
Stress can harm the body in may ways. In normal circumstances a
little stress is a good thing since the body is designed to react to it.
However, when the body is under constant stress, there are may adverse effects
such as:
- headaches
- upset stomach
- sleep disorders
- elevated blood pressure
- chest pain
- weight issues (either gain or loss)
- pain
- diabetes
- skin conditions
- asthma
- arthritis
The statistics related to stress are as follows:
- 75%-90% of all doctors office visits are for stress-related ailments
- The Occupational Safety and health Administration declared stress a
hazard of the workplace. Stress costs industry more than $300 billion
annually.
That's a lot of stress! This is also an indicator that stress is a
major element in today's society and should be addressed with a high level of
importance.
Massage as a Stress Reliever
Many people think that massage is just a "feel good" treatment without
realizing the physiological effects that is has on the body. Massage will:
- decrease the stress hormone, cortisol
- increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain
- increase endorphin levels
- increase circulation
- increase lymphatic drainage
- loosen tight muscles
- flush toxic metabolic waste build up within the muscle
- decrease pain
Massage is very effective in helping the body deal with stress at a
physiological level. Furthermore, it has been shown by the
Touch
Research Institute to help with such disorders as:
- depression
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- anorexia
- ADHD
- Autism
- Hypertension
If you suffer from stress in your life, please consider massage as an aid for
your body to help deal with it, even if you cannot rid yourself of the source of
the stress. Your body will thank you for it!
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