Q & Ahhh
Massage Envy experts answer your questions
Q: What is stress and how can massage help?
A: Long-term (chronic) stress is caused by
stressful situations or events that stretch over a long period of
time. Chronic stress can lead to severe health problems and can
wear out the body's reserves, leaving a person feeling depleted or
overwhelmed. It also weakens the immune system, and is considered a
risk factor for many chronic diseases. Massage therapy triggers a
relaxation response in the body, which lowers the heart rate,
respiratory rate, and blood pressure, and generally decreases the
physical effects of stress. Clinical studies show that even a
single 1½-hour session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol
levels and insulin levels, and also boost the immune system. 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.
-C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of
Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage
Envy