Stress Management with Regular Massage

"Tension is who you think you should be.
  Relaxation is who you are."
  - Chinese Proverb

We live life in a fast-paced world. Maybe your work life is filled with deadlines and a challenging boss or coworkers. Perhaps you are taking care of a family member(s) with either physical health or mental health needs. You might be dealing with your own mental, emotional or physical issues. While stress and challenging times are inevitable in your life, it is how you deal with those circumstances or events that can keep your stress and its effects under control.

It is essential that you not minimize the effects of prolonged stress on your health. The following is a short list of stress related illnesses: Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Colitis, and Ulcers.

High blood pressure, back pain, stomach upset, sleep problems, restlessness, sadness, forgetfulness & burnout are a small list of symptoms that can be due to stress.

Massage can provide emotional balance as well as the more tangible physical benefits. Massage therapy triggers the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system which can result in the following benefits:

• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones
• Reduced heart rate & respiration
• Increased alpha waves in brain which are associated with deep relaxation
• Decreased anxiety and fears
• Improved quality of sleep
• Greater energy
• Improved concentration
• Increased circulation
• Reduced fatigue

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Massage Visits

Here’s the beauty of bodywork: its benefits are compounded when massage is utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you get, the more it does! Adding this form of regularly-scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll stay with each passing year.

Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs."

Sessions are conducted with established draping. Only the part or your body being worked on at the time would be uncovered. It is also possible to work on top of the sheet only. During your session you should disrobe to your comfort level. For you that might be fully clothed; it may be no top with bra and pants on; or it might be underware only.

Massage can help establish a feeling of safety. Massage can also be a great adjunct to psychotherapy. Referrals to psychotherapists are available.

www.GracefulStrengthMassage.com