A closer look at reducing stress through massage therapy

Spas have expanded their roles from pure pampering to become leaders in the field of Health & Wellness. These new trends include weight management, fitness, nutrition, Pilates, acupuncture, Yoga, sleep health and stress management solutions such as guided meditations and Feng Shui.

Therapeutic massage however is still one of the most potent techniques to finding balance and relaxation in life. Massage is one of the oldest Healing Arts and has been around since 3000 years.

To relax and de-stress is one of the main reasons people want to go to a spa. Stress is quite the buzz word today and reflects very valid concerns of most people today at times of uncertainty and economic worries.As we all know, unresolved stress is the cause for many diseases including cancer, weakened immune systems, digestive systems, diabetes and also emotional instability.
People are suffering from exhaustion on multiple levels, which affects them physically, mentally and emotionally. Relationships and life expectancy are areas which are affected. Stress also contributes to weight gain and therefore heart health. Furthermore, stress hormones can destroy brain cells and prevent the production of new brain cells. 75 % of all visits to doctor’s offices are for stress related disorders.

Without balance and good health we have nothing.
Therapeutic massage at a spa or wellness center is a good start to find our way back to relaxation. A calming massage can help you unwind, but that’s not all. There are  many health benefits to massage, proven to be beneficial for physical conditions such as chronic pain, shoulder and neck pain, low back related issues, fatigue, high blood pressure, digestion, sleep disorders or anxiety.Everybody deserves a massage and there are various techniques available, beneficial for specific needs:

Therapeutic massage/deep tissue - for low back or neck & shoulder pain; improves range of motion  and reduces pain. Deep tissue massage addresses issues in specific areas.
Relaxing/Swedish style massage - relaxes and softens tired and overused muscles; promotes unwinding and deep relaxationSports massage - lengthens muscles and tendons, invigorates and promotes blood flow to tight and injured muscles, reduces muscle soreness, increases joint flexibilityPregnancy massage - for mothers to be, helps to         unwind, relax  , addresses special pregnancy needs such as low back pain.Lymphatic drainage massage- this technique is a light type of body work on more superficial layers of muscles and tissues, aimed at removing cell waste and excess fluids. It can help with swelling of tissues after surgery and also stimulates the body to detoxify. Very beneficial for people suffering chronic fatigue or fibromyaliga

Shiatsu - originates in Japan and utilizes pressure applied by fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows and feet along the body’s energy passages(meridians) to restore balance and remove dis-harmonies, promotes health, prevents illness. Shiatsu involves the whole body, often it includes stretching.

Overall, massage therapy can be used to reduce stress and fatigue. It improves circulation and oxygen supply to the muscle tissue, so that they can function well and don’t get sore and tight.  Additionally, regular massage can address a variety of other specific health related issues. Massage can be used with pre-mature babies to promote weight gain for example, as well as growth and well being. Massage can be usedduring labor to relax and lessen the anxiety of child birth. People with chronic conditions might enjoy the health benefits of massage for conditions like migraines, fibromyaliga or cancer.
As a massage therapist practicing since 25 years, one of the greatest benefits of a massage getaway is that the client experiences a journey within, a state of deep relaxation, a quiet and calm to the mind, a place and time for peacefulness and re-connecting with one’s inner self.