massage relief

Mass”aah”ge
for Stress Relief 

      The
calming effect of a nurturing touch on the body lends that massage therapy
could be a panacea for many aches, pain and anxiety. While that may
be a presumptuous claim, massage therapy has proven to have a positive
effect on most of the major body systems as well as to alleviate muscle
tension and aid in correcting distorted structural patterns. The very
act of compression while stroking muscle tissue increases blood flow
to help remove toxins and bring in vital nutrients throughout the body.
In turn, constricted or “knotted” muscles relax, inducing a release
of mood-enhancing substances and a reduction of stress related mechanisms.
“We know for sure that massage – even self-massage – instantly
slows down your system.” Says Dr. Tiffany Fields, director of the
Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami - School of Medicine.

      Dr.
Fields is among many professionals whose research validates the efficacy
of massage for the reduction of stress and relief of pain. Aside from
the ability to improve circulation, increase metabolic rate, nourish
cells, facilitate removal of toxins and waste in the tissues and induce
relaxation, massage feels good! How many therapies can make those claims? 

  In a recent article from
Ladies Home Journal, Dr. Fields further states that, “EEGs, EKGs
and saliva tests showed that brain waves change, heart rates decrease
and cortisol levels drop, both during and after treatments.” Cortisol
is one of the “fight or flight” (Sympathetic) hormones secreted
by the adrenal glands when the body is in a state of emergency. For
short periods of time it enhances the body’s ability to fend off danger
but, with prolonged secretion, as in a period of duress, it becomes
a tremendous burden on the body. Decreasing this hormone in an otherwise
“stressed” individual can assist in achieving a more balanced state.

      In
the proper hands, massage for stress relief works to lower levels of
sympathetic hormones while conversely, initiating an increase in the
levels of Parasympathetic or, “rest and digest” hormones including
the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. These substances induce
relaxation and enhance feelings of well-being.

      In
the scope of practice, not all “massage therapy” is relaxing –
or intended to be. Therefore, choose a therapist carefully. Although
rigorous techniques, active therapies and some deep tissue modalities
can alleviate tension, break up and reduce scar tissue and bring increased
blood and oxygen to injured tissue, they are not necessarily conducive
to a relaxed state. “Ay, there’s the rub”!

      There
are a few considerations for those interested in receiving massage therapy
for stress relief. First, therapists in the State of Florida are highly
regulated by The Department of Health (DOH). Therefore, a Licensed Massage
Therapist, or LMT, should have a posted license with a MA number issued
by the DOH – Division of Quality Assurance.  This will insure
that the therapist has received the proper training and testing.

      Next,
deciding which type of massage may be most suitable is not a difficult
choice. There are many names used in advertising but, the most the most
common is Relaxation or “Swedish”. This refers to the more generic
style and, in the “hands” of a competent practitioner, the benefits
mentioned above should be gained.

Finally,
the length of time and cost can vary significantly from region to region
and type of facility. A half hour session should relieve the most concentrated
areas that the body holds stress (for most, the neck, shoulders and
back). A full hour could also include the front and back of the legs,
arms, hands and upper chest. Commonly, the cost is more affordable in
local, private centers, where they rely on repeat business as opposed
to more metropolitan areas, nicer hotels and cruises, where you can
expect to pay considerably more. Regardless of the investment, the relief
provided for the mind and body is time and money well spent.