Stress is thought to be a major underlying cause in the progression or onset of disease. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high levels of stress on our physical and mental health. A biological response occurs when the body is stimulated by a stress mechanism, and the following rise in chemical and hormone secretion prepares the body for the perceived challenge or threat.
With this stated, not all stress is bad; however, prolonged or high levels of stress can be detrimental to one's well being. For example, the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) is often revved up yet should not remain stimulated over an extended period of time. Therefore, if stress is prolonged, one should find a way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest response) in order to counteract the physiological processes occurring throughout the body in reaction to the excitable sympathetic nervous system. Stress is unavoidable yet can be successfully managed with a variety of non-invasive treatments.
Massage is an effective tool for coping with such stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Greater energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue
Bodywork can further help address a number of specific health issues. Soft tissue manipulation may:
- Alleviate chronic pain
- Improve range of motion
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts or injuries
- Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin
- Increase and ease joint articulation
- Lessen depression and anxiety
- Promote tissue regeneration, reshape scar tissue and reduce stretch marks
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling
- Reduce spasms and cramping
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller, thus reducing medication dependency
- Down-regulate hyperactive nerves
- Relieve migraines and cervicogenic headaches
Video Reference
RealBodyWork. (2009). www.realbodywork.com. Benefits of Massage Waiting Room Loop. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LDYNb_EDfFI