Massage : A One-Hour Vacation From Stress
by Candice Merrick, NCMT
Many of today’s health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems. Massage can be effective for a variety of conditions such as general muscular tension and aches, tension headaches, muscular pain, insomnia, circulatory problems, recovery from sports injuries, arthritis, and anxiety to name a very few. However, stress is something we can all relate to…
Massage can be thought of as a one-hour vacation from stress – a get-away from life and it’s challenges. Massage relieves the effects of stress and helps balance the effects of stress in our lives. This can help avoid stress-related disease and dysfunction. Massage triggers the relaxation response, restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being, reduces anxiety level, relaxes tense muscles, and helps improve immune system functioning. The immune system can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to the tissues. Manipulation of the soft tissues decreases muscular tension, increases the removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to the healing tissues.
With a therapeutic massage, stress can be significantly reduced, and in the process boosts your immune system function. Coupled with modest changes in nutrition and activity levels, massage can be the start of a profound change for the better in your health and well-being.