Stress Relief

Daily life can be stressful. It is imperative that we schedule into our fast paced routines that nurture self. Massage Therapy and Meditation are fantastic tools used to reduce the negative effects that stress has on the body, mind, heart and spirit.

Stress is the body’s way of letting us know that we are pushing our body out of balance. Normal human physiological function relies on homeostasis. Our body is designed to naturally seek balance.

Stress activates our endocrine system, increasing adrenaline and cortisol levels. When stressed we may experience elevated heart rate and higher blood pressure. During stress our blood vessels constrict, there is increased activity in the more primitive areas of the brain, a decrease in activity in the frontal lobes or where higher cognitive functions generate. There is also an increase release of glucose. These responses are meant to be short term, to aid in survival reactions. Many people live in a constant or long term expression of stress.

These long term effects of stress are causative factors of chronic conditions. Symptoms such as inflammation, headaches, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, musculoskeletal tension, changes in cardiovascular tone, a compromised immune system, certain cancers and slower wound healing can occur from stress.

Massage Therapy has proven to be very helpful in lowering stress and alleviating stress related conditions. Massage decreases the neurohormonal cascade triggered by the sympathetic nervous system. Massage also triggers the Parasympathetic nervous system which counteracts the stress response and allows the body to come back into balance.  (Piltch PhD, LMT; Menard PhD, LMT; MTJ 2007)

Stress Reducing Massage may include an Integrative Massage Techniques, Craniosacral Therapy, Hot and Cold Packs, Medicated Oils, Ointments or Lotions, Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, Breathwork, Meditation, Visualization, Far Infra-Red, Music and Light Therapy.

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