Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
With stress and anxiety on the rise in modern society, especially during the busy holiday season, there has been a discernible shift away from visiting traditional doctors, and exploring more complementary treatments and therapies. Natural treatments are increasingly being sought out as alternatives to conventional medicine and surgery, and are valued for their non-invasive nature and lack of side effects.
What is Stress and Anxiety?
Stress is a response to a perceived threat or emergency by the body, and is generally a healthy reaction that prepares us for any eventuality. When we begin to react to everyday events as such, the body is constantly producing the hormones that trigger our defense mechanisms.
If left unchecked this scenario can have significant health implications – specifically heart disease, suppression of the immune system, hypertension and even diabetes. Symptoms include poor sleep patterns, irritability, poor concentration and low energy levels.
Anxiety is a condition closely related to stress, and is best described as irrational fear or apprehension. This is often in relation to everyday events or scenarios that do not affect most other people. Symptoms include excessive sweating, panic attacks and various phobias.
Natural treatments are gaining popularity for stress and anxiety relief. A wide range of natural treatments and remedies are on offer, from physical options like massage, which utilize manipulation of tissues and muscles; to more psychological treatments like meditation and hypnotherapy that emphasize the mental aspects.
Massage Therapy Relieves Stress
Massage is perhaps one of the more widespread natural treatments available, with a range of techniques and styles to choose from. Stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy. It’s also a key component for anyone trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Clinical studies show that even a single 1 ½ -hour session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels-all of which help reduce stress through massage therapy.
Taking care of your body should be at the top of your priorities. By adding therapeutic massage to your routine now, you’ll feel, look and simply be healthier far into the future. In fact, stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. So what better way to prep for a long, happy life than a relaxing, therapeutic massage?
If you’re looking to add stress-relieving massage to your wellness program, know that a massage can be a powerful ally when combating daily pressures and anxiety. In addition to stress relief, ongoing massage therapy can reduce pain, increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental performance.
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 stress, which translates into:
• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues including but not limited to:
• 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.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• 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.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.
‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING GIVE THE GIFT OF MASSAGE
Help friends and family relieve the stress of the holidays, get them a massage.
Call Massage Heights Gulf Coast today, our friendly and experienced therapists can help determine which massage is best for you and your loved ones.
239-908-4007
Massage Height
9902 gulf coast main st., ste 105
Fort Myers, Fl 33913
