When we experience a stressful situation, our brain kicks into fight-or-flight mode to protect us from potential danger. The brain releases hormones into the body that affect the way the body functions. Heart rate gets faster, blood pressure rises, digestive system slows down. After a period of time, the brain stops releasing these hormones and the body goes back to normal.
The problem with chronic stress is the brain continues to release these hormones, which eventually leads to various health conditions. Chronic pain. Brain fog. Fatigue. Headaches. Depression. Anxiety. Problems with sleep and memory. Weight gain. Skin conditions. Digestive and reproductive problems. Autoimmune disease. Heart disease. Chronic stress breaks down the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to getting sick.
Everyone deals with stress differently. Some people become sharper when faced with a stressful situation. But for others, the daily stressors continue to build until that person feels suffocated. They lose clarity. They get irritable. They get tired. They get sick.
Many people think of massage therapy as a form of pampering, a luxury. But getting a regular massage is a great way to help reduce the effects of chronic stress. Massage therapy has a direct effect on the nervous system. It counteracts the stress hormones.
Chronic aches and pains are most likely caused by stress. Even the lightest massage has a profound effect on the nervous system, thus reducing or even eliminating chronic aches and pains. Many clients think a massage needs to be deep and intense in order to eliminate pain. Clients who are athletic or are recovering from an injury definitely benefit from deep work. But if a client's aches and pains are caused by stress, a more relaxing massage is what they need on a regular basis.
So what is "regular"? It depends on the client and their level of stress. The higher the stress level, the more frequent the massages. If a client is already experiencing the effects of stress (listed above), then getting a massage every 1-2 weeks may benefit them. If that is not possible due to time or money, I would definitely recommend a monthly massage at the very least.
There are many habits you can learn in order to cope with stress. Breathing techniques. Meditation. Yoga. Any activity that is enjoyable and requires concentration, such as gardening, puzzles, reading, painting, knitting, cooking, etc. You might be amazed how much a walk in nature recharges your mind and body.
I will be offering Wellness Sessions in the near future. These are 90-minute one-on-one sessions that focus on the body, the mind, and the spirit. It will include meditation, breath work, techniques for pain management, lessons on mindfulness, gratitude, and goal setting. I will also be offering Wellness Groups as a more affordable option.