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Stress can come from many sources, including work, aging parents, and poor health. It can be linked to both major and minor problems in life, but either way, the negative effects of stress can quickly build up. Stress that goes unchecked over time can have direct physical consequences, including high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and obesity. It can also create changes in the brain that lead to depression and addiction.
While the consequences of stress are unpleasant, you can find ways to control it. One healthy and effective way to reduce your stress levels is through massage. There are many types of massage, and they are designed for different purposes. If you’re looking specifically for a massage to reduce your stress levels, here are some good options.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is one of the oldest types of massages performed, and it’s one of the most popular. Swedish massage uses a whole-body approach to combat stress. When you go in for a Swedish massage, your massage therapist will use long, even strokes across your body, heading towards your heart, to stimulate blood flow back to the heart. As the customer, you have control over how hard you want the massage therapist to press, and you can ask to have the pressure adjusted anytime. You can also ask the massage therapist to focus on a specific area of your body that’s causing problems, such as your back or neck, which are generally most affected by stress. Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to perform a Swedish massage. Sensations you may feel including bending and stretching of your limbs, toes, and fingers. A massage therapist may also use his or her hands to knead your muscles. Circular pressure may be used on your hands, and the massage therapist might tap on various areas to make them loosen up.
Along with reducing stress levels, Swedish massage has other health benefits, too. One study performed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that getting a Swedish massage for 45 minutes tremendously decreased levels of the stress hormone called cortisol. A 45-minute massage was also found to produce lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that boost immunity. If Swedish massages are repeated over time, they can increase blood flow throughout the body, which leads to better circulation and heart health. You can read more about the positive effects of Swedish massage here: ift.tt/2n8dmMs.
Aromatherapy Massage
Another type of massage that reduces stress is called an aromatherapy massage. An aromatherapy massage is just what it sounds like – your massage therapist uses scents, along with physical touch, to reduce your stress levels. During an aromatherapy massage, a massage oil or lotion filled with essential oils may be rubbed on your skin. You may also inhale the oils. Either way, the scent produced by the oils is designed to alleviate stress. This is due to the fact that scents are believed to trigger positive changes in your mind by stimulating the limbic system, which is a part of the brain that is connected to the nervous system.
When you go in for an aromatherapy massage, you’ll be able to choose the types of oils or scents that the massage therapist uses. This is important, as some scents are designed to inspire calm and relaxation, while others are better for rejuvenating and awakening your senses. The most commonly used scents and oils for relaxations are geranium oil, chamomile, and lavender. You can read more about the different types of scents and their uses on this website: ift.tt/2vuqOOP.
Head Massage
Since the head and neck tend to feel the acute effects of stress, it’s not surprising that head massages are recommended as a way to reduce your stress levels. A head massage is similar to a full-body massage in the sense that a massage therapist uses his or her hands to physically reduce muscle tension. Your cranium (head) contains many small, thin muscles that can hold a surprisingly high volume of tension. The head massage can be used alone, but it is commonly combined with a Swedish massage to get the full stress-relieving benefits. A head massage may be performed with or without oils. If your massage therapist uses oils, the head massage is called a champi, which is a traditional Ayurvedic massage style.
Whether you go once, during especially stressful times, or on a regular basis, you will notice many physical and psychological improvements from a stress-reducing massage. For a massage quote click here, and get ready to take control of your stress.
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