Stress
STRESS is any factor threatening physical or mental well-being. There are two types of stress, positive and negative. Positive stress is good for example for sportsmen because it helps them to concentrate and focus on a performance. Negative stress causes us to respond by worrying, panicking or losing our concentration. Constant stress, however, can lead to serious health problems such as depression, cancer, stroke, and heart attack.
Symptoms of stress:
Headaches, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, trembling, sweating, recurrent infection, churning stomach, constipation, diarrhoea, racing heart, sinuses, loss of concentration, lack of memory, loss of motivation, tension, pain, mood swings, loss of or excessive appetite.
How does stress affect us?
The body always responds to stress. Perceiving danger, the body prepares to face it or run away (the fight or flight syndrome). Several systems shut down and the body works to conserve energy to enable movement and escape. Adrenaline is produced to deal with impending danger. The digestive system shuts down, heart rate increases, the blood vessels contract increasing blood pressure and the muscles contract. The body relaxes again as the stress factor is removed. But if the body is exposed to a constant stress, it remains tense and cannot relax. It is this unused response mechanism which is damaging. The body remains in a state of alert and eventually this will have a physical effect on the system.
What to do?
Eat a regular healthy diet.
The digestive system is very often affected by stress and you don’t want to stress it out even more. Or would you like to add stomach ulcers to your health problem list?
Exercise.
Any kind of exercise helps reduce the effects of stress. Some clients have found that hard exercise such as sprinting will help the body rid itself of the excessive adrenalin it has produced in response to stress. A little bit of exhaustion might help you to relax and sleep well.
Reduce or avoid intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Tea, coffee, coke, cigarettes and alcohol can momentarily help you to relax but they can have an adverse effect on the body in the long run.
Relax.
We can manage stress by learning to respond in a healthier way and by relaxation. Tai chi, Yoga, breathing, visualisation are some possible relaxation techniques. Or perhaps massage or just going to the cinema would do?
GET RID OF THE CAUSE OF STRESS!!!!
Apparently 75-80% of disease is caused by stress. Unless you learn to respond to stress in a healthy way, be prepared for endless hours of cancelling plans or fighting with stress related conditions.
HOW CAN MASSAGE HELP?
How does massage treat stress and its effects?
Releases endorphins, the pain relieving happy hormones
Boosts the immune system, weakened by constant stress, stimulates the circulation and the lymphatic system
Increases energy level and induces calm in both mind and body
Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the body down, lowers heart rate and switches digestion back on
Relaxes all the systems, which either shut down or speed up when stressed. That helps with insomnia, backache, headaches and other stress related conditions.
Stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair and renew at cellular level.
Helps treat depression and symptoms such as low self-esteem by boosting well-being, which in turn increases self-worth.
There are several treatments available to ease the stress and stress related conditions. Although Reflexology seems to be the most popular for my clients, different people like different treatments. Some examples of massages and their effects on the body are listed below. But please feel free to click on the name for full description of the treatment.
On-site Massage
fully dressed massage of upper body designed especially for the office or client’s workplace. Helps to relax, relieves tension and stiffness in shoulders.
Indian Head Massage
very effective as it’s treating areas of the body most affected by stress: neck, head, shoulders, upper back and arms. Fully dressed or undressed with use of oil.
Reflexology
it does affect the whole body even it’s just foot massage. There are points on the feet that respond to organs and the body system. Who doesn’t try- doesn’t believe!
Hopi Ear Candling (incl. face massage)
it clears the head, sinuses, headaches, migraines, improves hearing. The crackling sound of the burning candle is also relaxing.
Full body Massage:
Aromatherapy
gentle and relaxing full body massage with use of different essential oils mixed up by the therapist to calm the body and mind.
Hot Stones Massage
relieves tension and stiffness in muscles. The effect of massage is even more highlighted by the heat passed from the stones to the muscles.
Lava Shell Massage
could be seen as the next generation of Hot Stones. It’s good especially for the colonic system, which is often affected by stress.
Thai Hot Herbal Compress Massage
another warm, relaxing and gentle massage. Plus essence of oils from herbal bundles has a smoothing effect on the skin and respiratory system. But after this treatment you might have an appetite for curry (client’s statement)!
Holistic massage (known also as Swedish Massage)
full body massage ideal for sportsmen, as it is more invigorating. For relaxing purposes some massage techniques should be avoided or aromatherapy could be chosen.
You will find some combinations of therapies I offer in the pricelist. But you can also find your own combinations that work well for you. For example some clients like Indian Head Massage and Reflexology during one visit. Another client asked for Indian Head massage with use of essential oils so that she could find out if she likes the smell of oils and could buy them for burning in an aroma lamp at home. By the way, the last report was that her kittens sleep like babies when the smell fills up the room!
Ready to find out more?
I wish you good health and will be looking forward to welcoming you personally at my practice. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.