How a relaxation massage can relieve stress
Stress may start in the brain, but it most often is felt in your body. Muscle tension in the body is often onset by stress. It’s the body’s defense against injury and pain. It might also present it self as headaches, fatigue and even if prolonged physical pain. A relaxation massage promotes a “feel good” bodily response by lowering the heart rate and the stress hormone cortisol and releasing the hormones dopamine, serotonin endorphins and oxytocin that create feelings of happiness and calm.
The result is that your body melts into this state of calm. Tension is no longer felt, your anxiety and depression levels drop and you’re left with a clearer frame of mind. You get to carry this calm state into the rest of your day so you feel less triggered and less overwhelmed, and you get to bask in the feeling of relaxation and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. All of these benefits contribute to living a healthy life in a bustling city like New York, where the majority of adults suffer from stress on a regular basis.
Where is stress most commonly felt in the body?
Stress can manifest in various ways throughout the body, and individuals may experience stress differently. However, physical stress is most often felt in these nine areas. A trained relaxation massage therapist will be able to pick up on where stress presents itself in your body even in places you might not have been aware of before.
Neck and Shoulders: Tension often accumulates in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. This can result in stiffness, discomfort, and sometimes headaches.
Back: Stress may cause muscle tightness and discomfort in the upper, middle, or lower back. Poor posture and prolonged periods of sitting can contribute to stress-related back pain.
Jaw: Clenching the jaw or grinding teeth, especially during times of stress, can lead to jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, and headaches.
Head: Stress can contribute to tension headaches or migraines. Increased muscle tension in the neck and scalp regions may be associated with these types of headaches.
Stomach and Digestive System: Stress can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, and changes in bowel habits.
Chest: Stress may cause the chest muscles to tighten, leading to discomfort or a feeling of heaviness. Stress can also contribute to shallow breathing, exacerbating chest discomfort.
Hands and Fingers: Clenching fists or tensing the hands is a common physical response to stress. This can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the hands and fingers.
Hips and Pelvis: Chronic stress may contribute to muscle tension in the hips and pelvis. This tension can affect posture and contribute to lower back discomfort.
Legs and Feet: Stress can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the legs and feet. Some people may experience restlessness, cramping, or a “heavy” feeling in the legs.
It’s important to recognize that the body’s response to stress is complex, involving both physical and psychological components. Chronic stress can contribute to long-term health issues, so finding effective ways to manage stress is crucial. A relaxation massage is just one way.
Types of relaxation massage offered at Leading Edge
Each of our massage techniques can be tailored to promote relaxation by adjusting the amount of pressure applied. However, typically a Swedish Massage is considered to be the most relaxing. It involves using light and gentle circular strokes, kneading and tapping on the skin and muscle for a more relaxing and calming experience. This type of massage works to reduce tension, increase circulation and relax the body. It can also be used to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Other types of relaxation massage that we offer that are more popular for reducing stress in the body include:
Pressure Point Massage is an ancient healing art that uses various pressure points on the body to stimulate healing energy and promote relaxation. Pressure points are specific areas on the body that are known to be sensitive to touch, and when pressure is applied to these areas it can help to release tension. decrease pain and stimulate circulation. This type of body massage is commonly used to treat headaches, fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain and stress.
Myofascial Massage is a type of massage therapy used to treat chronic pain, improve range of motion and reduce stress in the body. It is focused on the connective tissue known as fascia, which surrounds the muscles, bones and organs. Myofascial massage works to reduce tension in the fascia and improving circulation by stretching and manipulating the fascia. It can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected area.
Pre and Postnatal Massage is a type of therapeutic massage designed to help women before and after childbirth. It is designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help reduce pain during pregnancy and after birth. Pre and postnatal massage can also help with the physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
If you don’t know which to choose you can consult with our licensed massage therapist to help you choose the best massage type to suit your body and your needs.
Choosing the right relaxation massage therapist
Choosing a massage therapist can be the deciding factor in achieving your desired outcome of ultimate full body relaxation. The kind that makes you want to drift off into the deepest sleep imaginable. Here’s some important factors to consider in deciding on the massage therapist that is right for you:
- Their work experience and credentials: When booking a relaxation massage you want to make sure your massage therapist is licensed to practice massage and is experienced and trained to treat your particular conditions.
- Client reviews of the massage therapist and the company they work for: Reviews offer insight into the quality of treatment you will receive. You can look up a massage therapist by name or look up the company they work for and check that most of the reviews are favorable. Google is the best place to do your search because you know these reviews are verified and credible.
- Location: You shouldn’t have to travel far to get an amazing full body relaxing massage. Make sure that you look for a massage therapist that is in your area. Better yet, find someone like Leading Edge who will come to you!
- Availability: Booking an appointment should be easy! It’s best to call and talk to someone before you book your massage to ensure your needs and expectations will be met. If it’s difficult to get someone on the phone or if there’s long wait times to schedule it could be a sign that they are understaffed or poorly managed. Remember your time is valuable.
Other ways to manage stress
A relaxation massage is certainly a great way to take the edge off with stress and to get you feeling so much better in your body. However, having a healthy repertoire of ways to manage stress that are built into your daily habits is also key.
Taking part in regular exercise, mindfulness activities, getting adequate sleep and proper nutrition are also all important. Having a strong support system of friends, family or mental health professionals matters too!
The more consistent you are with managing your self-care practices the better prepared you will be for life’s curveballs and the more peace of mind you’ll have.
Different types of stress
It’s important to know that stress is not inherently bad. Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges or demands and there’s different types of stress.
Good stress is short-term and is a positive and constructive form of stress that motivates and energizes you. It can evoke feelings of excitement, anticipation, and engagement and can enhance performance, focus, and productivity.
Bad stress is the kind that wears on you and can lead to adverse effects on your physical and mental health if left unchecked.
It’s important to always assess where your stress levels are and manage accordingly.
Why book a massage for relaxation with Leading Edge
We know living in the hustle and bustle of NYC although enchanting eventually takes its toll on your mind and body. You can be left feeling mentally and physically depleted in this city that never sleeps unless you take stake in your health and in your own inner peace. We are here to provide you that comfort and that safe haven that you need and crave.
For the 60 or 90 minutes that you book with us you get to close your eyes and shut off your mind and melt into an oasis leaving all your stress behind. You’ll walk away feeling lighter than air and wondering why you didn’t book with us sooner. We look forward to seeing you very soon!
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