04/12/2017
Do you suffer from excessive stress and/or anxiety? Massage can help!
The human body is designed to be keenly aware of negative circumstances and consequences. The brain gives more attention to negative experiences over positive ones because negative events pose a chance of danger. Our bodies are designed to respond to these threats by either fighting or fleeing. Both of those actions require extra levels of Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” which suppresses the immune system and increases blood sugar levels to keep our muscles ready for the fight or flight response. Sustaining higher Cortisol levels can lead to digestive problems, headaches, insomnia…etc.
That’s where Massage comes in. Multiple studies have shown that Massage Therapy lowers Cortisol levels, increases Dopamine and Serotonin (our feel-good hormones), and lowers excitatory hormones like Norepinephrine and Epinephrine, eliminating the aforementioned digestive problems, headaches, insomnia…etc. Unlike many Pharmaceuticals used to treat GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and various other disorders that increase excitatory hormones, when it comes to Massotherapy, there are no possible negative side effects.
As an RMT that has been living with GAD for over five years, I have first hand experience with the positive effects of Massage Therapy on the nervous system both as a practitioner and a client. I work in a slow and connected manner in order to build trust and expectation between my client and myself. I ensure that my massages chemically support a healthier state of being.
I strive to promote awareness on this subject in hopes that more people will view Massotherapy as an essential part of psychological health maintenance rather than a luxurious indulgence.
