Fight Back Against Severe Stress With Massage Therapy

Blog

When people experience high or chronic levels of stress, a chemical called cortisol gets released into the body. Cortisol and adrenaline are released as part of the "fight or flight" response in the adrenal system. If people are under too much stress for too long, this "fight or flight" response gets activated again and again, releasing huge amounts of cortisol into the body. Unfortunately, this over production of cortisol causes a multitude of health problems, including blood glucose issues, heart problems, mental fog, lowered immune system and more. One great way to help combat excess cortisol levels is massage therapy.

How Massage Lowers Cortisol

Physical touch is necessary for humans and animals to thrive, and in the case of massage therapy, touch can increase serotonin and lower cortisol levels in the body to relieve stress. The brain's neurotransmitters, which include serotonin (the feel-good chemical) and dopamine are triggered with physical touch, thus releasing extra amounts of these happy making chemicals. This also lowers the adrenal and cortisol levels in the body, as relaxation removes the "fight or flight" response.

How Massage Helps Adrenal Exhaustion

Eventually, if you experience stress long enough, your adrenal glands can become greatly depleted. This leads to exhaustion, brain fog, carb cravings and even lowered healing ability. Unfortunately, your adrenal glands are also in charge of blood sugar regulation and an overworked adrenal system can cause glucose issues as well. Thankfully, massage can send the body back into the "rest" mode and get it out of fight or flight. If you partake in massage therapy on a regular basis, it can help prevent you from succumbing to stress and stressed out responses. This will gradually help your body build back up its reserves of adrenaline, thus restoring your body back to normal.

Getting The Most Out Of Massage Therapy

When looking for a massage therapist, be sure to find one that you actually feel comfortable with as a person. It won't do you much good to go in for a massage if you can't relax around the masseuse. Try to find a practitioner who offers a quiet and relaxing environment, and someone who understands the special needs of patients with high stress levels. Go in for a massage as often as you can manage – particularly if you've been suffering from very high levels of stress. Consistent massage will help return your body's chemicals back to normal over time.

Stress doesn't have to take its toll on your mind and body – fight back with massage therapy (from professionals such as those from Mana Massage).

Share

11 March 2015

what to expect during your first massage

Going for a first-time massage can be a little intimidating. With so many types of massages available, how do you know what kind you would enjoy the most and what would be most beneficial to you? I can remember my first massage and how I felt walking into the spa for it. I was worried that I was going to do something inappropriate or not get the type of massage that I pictured myself getting. Since then, I have gone for weekly massages and have had every type of massage available to me at the spa that I visit. Read on to learn all about what to expect during your first massage and a short description of each type of massage.