The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Stress Relief
We live in a world today where everyone is so overwhelmed with stress that it has become very normal for us to live in a constant state of fight or flight. This survival mechanism was originally part of our genetic make up used to protect ourselves from life threatening situations. When we remain in this state for prolonged periods of time, our bodies begin to break down. Our health begins to degenerate. Our muscles become fatigued. Our mental state becomes overloaded and inefficient.
Massage therapy helps to bring calmness back into your life. It allows your body to turn off the survival mechanism and begin to relax. Being in this state of deep relaxation, your body is able to restore homeostasis, the balance that your body constantly strives to maintain. Stress is relieved by increasing circulation to the tissues and organs, freeing tension from constricted muscles, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system which aids in digestion and stabilizes heart rhythm and breathing patterns. Massage is thought to increase the flow of endorphins which are neurotransmitters in the brain that have pain relieving properties and produce overall feelings of euphoria. When all these systems are working properly, the body is functioning at its optimum level of wellness.
Stress is the number one cause of disease today. Receiving regular massages can greatly benefit your health and well being by reducing stress both physically and psychologically. The more stress you have and the busier you are, the more often you will need massage therapy to help you unwind. Many people get massages weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on their individual needs. Considering its profound benefits, massage therapy should be a top priority in your health and wellness routine.
