Massage Therapy for Stress Reduction
By Jessica at 9 October, 2009, 5:00 pm
Massage therapy has been used for providing relief from sore, aching muscles, but can it reduce stress? According to the Mayo Clinic, yes.
Today, there are few people who are not facing some form of stress, whether it is related to finances, family, work, or health. Stress can contribute to poor health, lead to insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue, promote pain throughout the body, and generate emotional problems. Many people use massage to greatly reduce their stress and consequently other ailments they experience as a by-product of that stress.
Massage therapy is the process in which trained therapists use their fingertips, fists, or hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages. Through using the skilled, controlled application of pressure and the rhythmic movement of touch, therapists treat the soft tissues.
Twenty years ago massage was not considered a viable option in battle to reduce stress, but that has all changed with the many academic studies that have been conducted over the last decade. The Touch Research Institute at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine has carried out more than 100 studies on the benefits of massage therapy. Their findings overwhelmingly have demonstrated that massage decreases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers have found massage has reduced cortisol levels by as much as 53 percent. Their research has found that patients receiving massage therapy and a reduction in cortisol have experienced
1. Diminishing pain
2. Decreasing autoimmune problems
3. Increasing alertness and performance
In addition to the studies at the Touch Research Institute, Cornell University is encouraging the use of massage therapy to reduce stress. Their research has found massage therapy reduces stress through physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
Physically, massage loosens, relaxes, and expands the soft tissues. Massage heightens blood flow and circulation, and boosts oxygen releasing into the soft tissues. It also promotes lymph movement in the tissues. Too much lymph in the tissues can cause swelling, but the right balance equalizes the body’s fluids and takes away bacteria and waste. Additionally, massage therapy encourages endorphins to release into the nerves and this naturally decreases pain and the other negative effects of stress.
Mentally, massage promotes a feeling of relaxation and calmness. It helps the mind to quietly let go of pressures and problems. The endorphins also help to create a happier state of mind.
Emotionally, massage therapy works because it is a hands-on technique; it appeals to a basic human need for a nurturing touch. Massage therapy naturally diminishes anxiety through skilled hands-on touching.
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