QThe simple answer is YES! There are different techniques and methods when it comes to massages. Different techniques can be used to focus on different parts of the body to relieve tension or assist with promoting healing either physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or even all combined which is the benefit of a holistic massage!
Everyday brings a choice: To practice STRESS or to practice PEACE
Joan Borysenko
What is Stress?
The aim is not to eliminate stress (that would be impossible) however the aim is to reduce it as much as possible and recover effectively from it. Taking some time out to understand what your body needs is the first step for you to try and solve the problem with the appropriate measure, therefore it is important to understand what stress is and what may cause it.
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It is very common and could motivate us to achieve things in our daily life; however, too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships especially when it feels beyond our control. Stress can contribute to feelings of anxiety, irritability and it could affect our self esteem. Over a long period of time it could lead to a feeling of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.
A Proven Benefit!
There are multiple benefits of massages however, regular massage and aromatherapy sessions have been proven to reduce depression, anxiety and stress levels. During a treatment session, the heart rate is lowered, muscles are relaxed and endorphins are released, all of these help the body to relax and increase a feeling of calmness and relief. Massaging stimulates the good hormones (serotonin & dopamine) into the peripheral nervous system which encourages the message of relaxation to be relayed through the whole body.
Serotonin & Dopamine
These are known as ‘feel-good’ hormones and neurotransmitters which means that they send signals from the body to the brain. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being and happiness. On the other hand; dopamine regulates our mood, muscle movement and feelings of reward and motivation.
What else can I do to relieve stress?
Deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massages are commonly used to reduce levels of stress. However there are multiple ways that we can contribute to reducing the levels of stress that we may face each day. Here are a few to help calm your mind.
- Use calming breathing exercises. One of my favourite quotes says “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor” – Thich Nhat Hanh
- Try talking with a friend, family member, therapist or health professional about your feelings; journaling could also help and listening to soothing music
- Create time for yourself, this could include exercises. If you are like me and you do not like the vigorous stereotypical way of exercising in a gym or home workouts, try Yoga or Pilates. Once I started Yoga and found my flow, I never looked back. I couldn’t imagine my life without it now
- Plan ahead for stressful days or events
- Download Relaxation and Mindfulness apps such as ‘Calm’
It is normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed, take control and reduce your stress overtime and trust in the journey with complete faith that everything will be okay!