Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety, Enhanced sleep quality.
• Improved concentration, Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue, Greater energy

 

The Power of Massage Therapy in Physical and Emotional Stress Relief and Healing

The remarkable benefits of human touch, and in particular massage therapy, extend into the physical, psychological and emotional make up of us all.

We as humans are uniquely created with a mind, body and spirit that work together to make up the whole person.  When one area is struggling there is disorder in the relationship with the others. The good news is that we can positively affect emotional struggles through taking care of our physical bodies.

Multiple studies have shown that the neurochemical changes associated with massage increase psychological well-being.  Increased levels of Serotonin and Dopamine (the “feel good” hormones) coupled with decreased Cortisol (the “stress” hormone) levels may explain why people with depression and anxiety reported symptom decrease after a massage(1).  Skin to skin touch releases Oxytocin (the “love/bonding” hormone) which has been shown to decrease social anxiety and fear in people with PTSD while increasing self-esteem and optimism(2).

Safe human touch is essential to our sense of security and well-being. Massage therapy offers a supportive avenue for relieving the physical symptoms that often accompany psychological stressors and can assist in creating a healthier mind-body relationship.  Integrating it into your wellness program can help bring balance to your “whole” self.

1-International Journal of Neuroscience  Oct 2005; 115 (10): 1397-413

2-Biological Psychiatry  Feb 2016; 79 (3): 213-221

 

Benefits of Including Massage Therapy in Your Self-Care

Self-care is any activity we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. (1)

We are surrounded by stress every day.  Between our work and relational responsibilities and commitments, societal pressures and incessant use of gadgets our minds (and bodies) have very little, if any, down time.  Chronic stress which develops from this prolonged lifestyle leads to an unhealthy psychological and/or physical state of being.  Taking time to care for ourselves can lead to healthy stress responses and energy to engage in the activities we enjoy.

For more than 20 years studies have shown the positive effects of massage therapy for relaxation and its usefulness in overcoming the mind and body dysfunctions that develop from unchecked stress.  Benefits include reduced anxiety, depression, anger and sleep disturbances. Physical well-being is enhanced through relaxation of muscles, tendons and fascia.  Chronic pain often accompanies long term stress. An analysis of 67 studies concluded that massage therapy should be strongly recommended for pain management. (2)

Self-care is not selfishness, it is the key to living a balanced lifestyle.  It should be something you enjoy and actively plan into your routine. Just as we are created to work, serve others and accomplish goals, the innate need to take care of ourselves must be included on this journey of reaching our full potential. The many advantages of massage therapy can aid in optimal health and living life as our best self.

(1) What Self-Care Is and What It Isn’t; PsychCentral.com: 8 Jul 2018

(2) Research Shows Benefit of Massage Therapy for Self-Care; American Massage Therapy Association: published online Oct, 2017

 

Massage Offers Support Through the Cancer Journey

Massage offers significant potential for benefiting quality of life when applied with proper understanding of the adaptations needed to accommodate the needs and vulnerabilities of cancer patients. (1)

The physical and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis are daunting and often feel overwhelming.  Integrative medicine, including massage therapy, works closely with oncology providers giving support and care for the whole person during and after active treatment.  In many cases carefully applied massage can help reduce physical side effects such as vomiting (2) and neuropathy (3) and reduce pain.  It also provides an avenue to decrease anxiety, improve sleep, reduce fatigue and contribute to an overall sense of well-being which lead to a healthier response to and recovery from treatment.  Rest plays an important role in recovery.  Massage therapy allows the mind to relax while encouraging healthy heart rate and blood pressure levels, thus assisting in the healing process.  People are increasingly finding therapeutic touch to play a key role in their pursuit of recovery from disease and establishment of good health.

The benefits of massage are so well demonstrated in cancer research that it is included in some clinical practice guidelines.  With proper care and support your body can live through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.   Healing touch is an important part of the journey. Allow massage therapy to support you in physical recovery, emotional strength and spiritual renewal.

Seminars in Oncology Nursing; Vol 28 Issue 1, Feb 2012

Cancer Nursing. 41(5):359–366, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Case report of a patient with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy treated with manual therapy (massage); Supportive Care in Cancer, Sep 2011

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.