Introduction
Stress in this modern era is the type of pressure that can occur due to workload, urging meeting and deadlines, family responsibilities or multitasking and many more. There are many coping strategies, therapeutic massage is termed a natural, holistic intervention for release of tension and calming one’s mind to attain well-being.
In this blog, we will outline how massage therapy as a treatment helps to relieve stress. We will also learn the different types of massages that are best for this area, and the benefits available after doing such treatments.
With the regular use of massage therapy, you can relieve stress which allows individuals to make a great improvement in their quality of life.
How Does Stress Impact Your Body?
Stress does not only affect your emotions but also attacks in the physical way in your body. When the body is faced with stress, it acts on the principle of “fight or flight,” which releases the hormonal output like cortisol and adrenaline into your body.
Your body will respond through these tense muscles, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and in the worst case it reduces your immune system. Chronic stress may further cause serious health problems in your body which includes high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and even heart disease.
Example: Anyone who has had a bad day at the office might have noticed that there is tightness in the shoulders or neck commonly referred to as “stress knots.” At this end, therapeutic massage acts against such physical symptoms by helping your muscles relax, improving your blood flow, and relief some of the damaging effects of stress.
How Do Therapeutic Massages Relieve Stress?
Here is how therapeutic massages can relieve stress:
– Release of oxytocin: This is commonly known as the “feel-good” hormone, which helps to lower levels of cortisol and a hormone associated with stress.
– Reduces muscle tension: Massage relaxes the fibers present in the muscles that easing the tightness that stress has otherwise created.
– Improves blood circulation: This massage improves blood flow into muscles, so it helps to repair the damage created by stress and tension.
– Encourages better sleep: It comforts the nervous system and helps you improve your deep and comfort sleep.
Example: Suppose you had a long week with back-to-back meetings. Then when you do a hour long Swedish massage, then your muscles feel lighter and your mind is clear. This helps you sleep soundly that night.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage for Stress Relief
1. Relaxes Muscle Tension:
Massage relieves tension held in the muscles that may occur due to stress.
Example: If you are working on the same desk for one day, then a massage can work out to return the muscles to a state of normal functioning.
2. Improves Blood Circulation:
Massaging allows the blood to flow freely into the whole body, which helps in delivering oxygen and nutrition to the cells and removing the waste products. Improved circulation improves the healing and renewal, which makes one feel stress free all day.
3. Gives a Boost to Immunity:
Therapeutic massage can help to boost your immunity. This massage generally works as an encouragement for the body’s mechanism that helps in natural defence and save from pathogens and viral attacks.
4. Promotes Good Sleep:
Massage helps to get your body a good and stressless sleep which helps to cut down anxiety.
Types of Therapeutic Massages for Stress Relief
There are different types of therapeutic massage available, which have their use and benefits for the relief of stress. Some of the most efficient types dealing with stress are:
1. Swedish Massage
This massage has the highest demand and recommendation for general stress relief. It has long, flowing strokes that relax the body and induce a state of general relaxation. It contributes to relieve muscle tension, reduction in blood pressure and rise in oxygen circulation.
Ideal for: Beginners or anyone who wants to enjoy relaxation throughout their body.
2. Deep Tissue Massage
This modality primarily focuses on deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues for those types of people suffering from chronic tension or muscle knots. This technique is characterized by slow strokes and firm pressure to remove chronic stress and muscle tension.
Perfect for: Those with chronic pain, cramps, or tight muscles due to accumulated stress.
3. Aromatherapy Massage
This massage uses essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus into gentle manipulative massage techniques that can make relaxation and reduce anxiety in the client.
Best for: Those who want a sensual experience that allows them to harness the benefits of essential oils combined with massage therapy.
4. Hot Stone Massage
In this massage, hot stones are placed on the body in this kind of massage for the purpose of relieving tension and stimulating relaxation. The heat from hot stone helps loosen tight muscles and stimulates circulation, which is good for deeper relaxation.
Best suited for: Individuals who feeling tension in larger muscle groups, such as the back or legs.
5. Reflexology
Reflexology works by putting pressure on certain points of the feet, hands, and ears, which correspond to other organs in the body. This method relaxes the body and improves stress because the natural recovery process of body is triggered in this process.
Best for: Those seeking a focused, non-invasive method of relieving stress.
How Frequently Does One Go for Massage to Feel Relieved from Stress?
Massages really depend on the magnitude of your stress that you are expecting and what exactly you need. Basically, just one massage a month should be enough to manage regular stress. However those people with chronic stress or physical tension, may want to go for bi-weekly or even every week.
How to Get the Best out of a Therapeutic Massage
Want to make the best out of a therapeutic massage? Try these tips:
– Choose the Right Therapist: Select a licensed and experienced massage therapist who has proper knowledge of stress-relieving techniques.
– Communicate Your Needs: It is important to tell your your therapist about the tension you are holding up and how you are feeling, which will help them apply the right treatment techniques accordingly.
– Deeply breathe while relaxing: Taking deep breaths during the massage helps to triggers and initiates your parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation.
– Give your body time to rest: Take time to rest after doing the massage because your body needs it to incorporate absolutely all the benefits from the session.
Conclusion
Therapeutic massage is a truly powerful natural stress relief technique. Either it is chronic tension that bothers you, sleeplessness or just a need to have some time for yourself, regular massage will make you feel one’s well-being. Adding therapeutic massage to your self-care repertoire along with other stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, and exercise, serves to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and generally contributes to good health.
You can consult with us here for any types of Therapeutic massage for stress relief.
