Massage and Stress

- by Shelly Baldwin, BA, LMT

More people are experiencing the benefits of massage therapy than ever before. Even so, many people still think of massage as little more than pampering. Scientific studies are proving to the Western mind why massage therapy has been used for centuries as a health care modality. Massage benefits are found in all physiological systems of the body. **I will discuss stress, its effects, and the role massage plays in alleviating symptoms and promoting healing.

Stress is nearly unavoidable in our world today. It has been well documented that stress plays a role in many chronic disorders and long-term health issues such as heart disease, obesity and strokes among others. The physiology of stress involves the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and endocrine systems. Massage therapy is beneficial in treating stress in a number of ways.

When the brain detects a stress stimulus it triggers the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response. Heart rate increases, respiration becomes rapid and shallow, and hormones are released from the adrenal glands. All this prepares the body to take on whatever “threat” has been perceived. Health issues occur when this stress response becomes a chronic condition.

Massage therapy initiates the parasympathetic nervous system response, when the body is in repair and healing mode. During a massage, respiration and heart rate slow. Blood pressure declines. Circulation is increased in tight muscles, helping the body rid itself of biochemicals and hormones produced under stress. Although these effects are generally temporary, the health benefits increase with repeated sessions. The body “learns” what the relaxed state feels like and is more able to access these feelings.

The benefits of massage therapy are many. One of the best is that this is a health care modality that feels good! You as a client do not have to experience a painful massage to get relaxed muscles and a healthier body. A skilled therapist will provide relief from tension, tight muscles and stress without causing further pain. Massage therapy is truly health care that feels good.