Health experts and professionals estimate that up to ninety percent of disease is stress-related. Perhaps nothing ages us more quickly, both internally and externally, than high stress. The effects of stress can affect many systems of the body from the central nervous system, the muscular system, the reproductive system, the respiratory system, the cardivascular, the immune system and even the lymphatic system. Stress can affect hormone levels which can result in a low or non-existent libido to trouble conceiving or infertility.
The effects of overtaxing the parasympathetic nervous system can also result in muscle tightness which causes pain, stiffness and leaves peoeple feeling tight and stiff. Stress can disrupt healthy breathing patterns which result in shortness or constrictedness of breath which results in less oxygen to the muscles and organs which impairs its ability to heal, repair and rejuevenate. The cardiovascular system can also be affected which can result in higher blood pressure which puts one at risk for cardiovasuclar disease or heart attacks. People often eat more as a coping mechanism when they feel high levels of stress which can result in obesity and all the other comobidities that often accompany weight gain such as cardiovasulcar disease, diabetes and stress on the joints of the body carrying excess weight such as the knees.
There are a variety of integrative health care or holistic health care modalities that can help to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, controlled breathing exercises and massage.
Massage has proven to be an effective tool for managing stress, which translates into decreased anxiety as well as enhanced sleep quality. Sleep is one of the most important biological processes for the body and mind since that is when the body is able to heal and repair on a deep and sustained level. One of the most ideal times to receive a massage is just before going to sleep.
Other benefits of massage include:greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulatio as well as reduced fatigue. Therapeutic massage can also help specifically address many chronic health issues. Regular bodywork can: alleviate low-back pain, correct imbalance and poor posture and improve range of motion.
Prenatal massage should be done by a massage therapist specifically trained to address the health needs of a pregnant women. It can assist with shorter, more manageable childbirth for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Other health benefits of massage can include ease of medication dependence, enhanced immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow which is the body’s natural defense system.
For athletes, regular massage therapy is a critical compoent to allieviate and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. Massage therapists often assist athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts with regular sessions.
Massage improves the condition of the body’s largest organ–the skin. It is important to use natural or organic lotions or oils when massaging since the skin will absorb it and the components of them will go into the bloodstream.
Other critical effects of massage include:Increase of joint flexibility, decrease in depression and anxiety, promotion of tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks, oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital internal organs, improving circulation and cardiovascular flow, the release of endorphins– that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
