Q & Ahhh
Massage Envy experts answer your questions
Q: How does receiving massage help reduce
stress?
A: 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. Blood samples were
taken immediately before the massage and up to an hour afterward.
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. Volunteers experienced greater
increases in a hormone associated with contentment and bigger
decreases in adrenal hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands
to release cortisol. While cortisol is an important and helpful
part of the body's response to stress, higher and prolonged levels
of cortisol in the bloodstream, such as those associated with
chronic stress, have been shown to have negative effects. 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.
- C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of
Industry
Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy