Massage Therapy For Stress Relief

We all know that certain types of constant stress in our lives are not healthy. But did you know that recent evidence indicates the physical changes associated with stress may contribute to the leading causes of death-heart disease and cancer? In addition, stress can create and/or exacerbate many physical and emotional conditions such as chronic fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, back pain, high blood pressure and risk of stroke.

A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recruited 53 healthy adults and assigned them to receive deep tissue, Swedish and light touch massage. The researchers found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.

Volunteers showed significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol. They also had increases in white blood cells that are part of the immune system. What this study shows is that receiving massage actually activates the body on an internal level to respond and correct the physiological imbalance caused by our stressful lives. By fighting stress on a number of fronts, the benefits of massage for stress relief include relaxation of muscles, an increase in circulation and a reduction in stress related pain. Once your stress level is reduced, you can reclaim the energy you once enjoyed, and experience a refreshed body and mind.

View all the different types of massage to see which massage therapy is right for you.