Manage Stress & Anxiety
Are you having a challenging year? You’re not alone. The last 12 months have been and continue to be stressful, isolating, and unhealthy for millions of Americans. To compound the stress, we’re working long hours from home, a place that we used to go to retreat after a long day at the office. Add in that you’re stuck in an uncomfortable desk chair all day, and it’s no wonder we need more help than ever managing stress, anxiety, and back pain.
There’s one surefire way to reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and evoke a deep sense of relaxation. A massage can relax the mind and body and help reduce pain associated with various medical problems, including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s look at a few more ways a massage can help you unwind and live your healthiest life.
Massages are Proven to Decrease Anxiety
Massage has been used to treat chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression for centuries. Regular massage therapy decreases both general and targeted pressure (the anxiety before taking a test, for example) and reduces irritability.
Chemicals called endorphins are released during a massage. Endorphins increase levels of relaxation and joy while bringing pain relief. Serotonin, dopamine, and other feel-good neurotransmitters join in to enhance well-being feelings long after the massage is done. Regular massage can even help those who have insomnia get a good night’s sleep.
What Type of Massage is Best for Stress and Anxiety?
- Swedish Massage – When you’re looking for deep relaxation, you can’t go wrong with a Swedish massage. Light, rhythmic tapping, and targeted rolling and kneading result in a clear mind and relaxed body.
- Deep Tissue Massage – Deep pressing and kneading of the muscles releases knots and melt away tension. When done correctly, this massage is one of the most effective at reducing chronic pain and anxiety.
- Trigger Point Massage – A well-trained massage therapist can find and release trigger points. Once released, pain in specific problem areas fades away, and clients can fully and deeply relax.
Massage Therapy Combats Chronic Illness and Injury
If you talk to a random person, they’re likely to suffer from either joint pain, sports injuries, digestive disorders, or soft-tissue injuries (and possibly a combination of the above). Many of them are unaware that a massage can help those with chronic conditions improve their quality of life. In conjunction with treatment from a physician, massage therapy is an integral part of maintaining a healthy, pain-free life.
A Massage Can Relieve Lower Back Pain
Whether you have chronic or acute back pain, a massage can help you find relief. A massage works by enhancing blood flow to damaged tissue. This blood helps transport oxygen and nutrients, which in turn nourish the tissue and promote healing. With improved circulation, waste products are more easily transported out of your system.
A massage also reduces tension in the muscles. Targeting the back’s soft tissue allows muscles to relax and decreases pain and discomfort in the area. Trigger points build up tension without relief and lead to pain in the back and surrounding areas.
