A Beneficial Regimen
Receiving therapeutic massage on a regular basis has proven to be beneficial in the reduction of stress. Once a week is optimal. However, a bi-weekly or once-a-month regimen will accomplish a satisfactory level of stress reduction. The tremendous benefits derived from a program of regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions can easily justify the investment of time and money.
Modern Day Stress
The problem with modern day stresses is that they are not typically of the immediate, life-threatening type that produce the quick fight-or-flight and relaxation responses. They are more likely to be caused by such ongoing stressors as relationships, job performance, deadline pressures and financial challenges. Instead of being occasional events, these stressors can become a part of one’s lifestyle. As a result, many people experience continual stress, which means that their bodies are constantly producing biochemical, physiological, and psychological changes that can affect their well-being, productivity and personality.
Results of Unrelieved Stress
When stress is not relieved by the relaxation response, the results can become life threatening. The constant presence of stress hormones in the body can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to disease and dysfunction. In today’s high-pressure society, the effects of stress are increasingly evident.
Symptoms
Stress is exhibited by many symptoms: anxiety, headaches, sleep disorders, digestive problems, loss of productivity, inability to concentrate, neck aches, changes in blood sugar, nervousness, irritability, increased blood pressure and breathing rate, heart palpitations, poor circulation, chronic fatigue and inhibition of the immune system.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage can help individuals become more aware of their daily stress level. It can also help them to recognize what true relaxation feels like so they can more easily recreate it for themselves before stress becomes chronic and damaging. Having this downtime from stress can enhance one’s ability to enjoy, cope with, and understand life, as well as increase one’s energy level and vitality. The stresses and strains of modern living have given therapeutic massage new recognition and acceptance as part of an overall beneficial plan for maintaining good health.
Symptoms and Conditions which may be improved by Therapeutic Massage
The following conditions can be helped by routinely receiving therapeutic massage:
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression/stress/anxiety
- Headaches/migraines
- Neck/shoulder/back stiffness and pain
- Foot pain
- Arthritis and aching joints
- Poor circulation
- Weak immune system
- Problems with sleeping
- Sports injuries
- Carpal tunnel/tennis elbow
And much more…