During day-to-day life in the modern world, we are constantly experiencing triggers of physical and emotional stress. Whether it is a result of sport, pressure from work or personal difficulties, stress effects us all and has a negative effect on the mind and the body.
Not only does stress impact our lives, it can impact the lives of those around us, negatively effecting our relationships and ability to relax. When we are relaxed, we feel in control of our lives, and our ability to deal with situations becomes greater.
One of the most effective methods of stress relief is massage therapy. Massage helps to alleviate physical and mental stress, reducing the likelihood of injury and preventing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Here is Essex Physiotherapy Clinic’s guide to massage therapy as stress relief.
Even if you’ve never had one, everybody’s heard of a massage. You get to go to a beautiful room with a calming therapist and have the tension expelled from your body. Amazing. But how does a massage actually help?
Massage works by relaxing muscles, improving circulation and calming the body. During a massage, the pressure and movement from the masseuse’s hands relaxes the soft tissue s in the body and raises the temperature of the of the body. This increase in temperature also increases the circulation of blood, meaning waste products and tension are removed from the muscles.
Alongside the increase in circulation promoted by massage is the release of endorphins, or ‘feel good’ hormones. These endorphins work by calming the peripheral nervous system, effectively sending a message to the brain telling it to relax. In doing so, this reduction of mental stress is then relayed back to the muscles. Massage therapy may also be implemented as a complementary therapy alongside another practice such as acupuncture.
Furthermore, many studies suggest that the physical touch involved with massage triggers the release of natural pain relieving chemicals, interfering with pain signals sent to the brain and alleviating symptoms of injury or discomfort. By reducing physical pain, the mind is also able to relax.
In addition to the physical benefits of massage, are the multitude of psychological and emotional rewards. Massage therapy is proven to decrease emotional responses such as anxiety and depression through the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system through rest and relaxation, individuals experience an increased feeling of wellbeing and overall happiness.
No matter your reason for choosing massage therapy, Essex Physiotherapy Clinic’s fully trained masseuses are able to help. Whether you’re an athlete or just wanting to de-stress from day-to-day life, our extensive range of massage treatments can be tailored to you.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch now! Call us on 01245 325 037 or send an email to info@essexphysio.co.uk.
