Massage, stress and muscle pains

Photo: ©iStockphoto.com

In some of the old movies made on gangsters and small time godfathers, I used to notice one henchman applying massage to the back of his ‘boss’.

I used to wonder, as no doubt you also do, whether it was a luxury that the boss was enjoying purely by the virtue of his job!

But, when I was researching on this topic those images suddenly flashed across my mind. Though I have no sympathy for the nature of work the ‘boss’ was executing, I can surely imagine that the guy must be suffering from job stress. And his henchman, the poor dirty fellow, had been ordered to massage the stress away!

Chronic Fatigue- Prolonged periods of tension weaken the muscles. When one muscle gets weakened, its opposing muscle is also compromised; slowly it also gives in. It results in lack of coordination between various body parts – muscles, connecting tendons, joints, etc. Since musculoskeletal system consumes largest share of body’s energy, this imbalance brings about a state of chronic fatigue and tiredness. Have you ever noticed how a person develops a slump after long periods of tension and stress?

Therapeutic Massage: Stress relief by restoration

Massage improves blood circulation - With massage, stress is relieved through the manipulation of body’s soft tissues. The massage therapist uses his fingers, fists and feet to apply long, smooth strokes and kneading movements to improve blood circulation in the muscles. It brings in fresh nutrients, releases accumulated toxics and strengthens muscles.

Relieves tension - Expert massage therapist recognizes differences in firmness and tightness at different places of the muscles and adjusts pressure accordingly to loosen the tension spots. Massage relaxes and revives the muscles gone flaccid due to tension. It smoothens and loosens the spots gone stiff due to stress.

Increases oxygen flow - Massage helps in purging the body of toxics accumulated due to long periods of stress and tension. It causes more oxygen to flow in the body, which helps the body to revive and re-build itself.

Boosts Immune system – With massage, stress is seeped away; there is a flow of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the entire system: it strengthens the immune system of the body making it capable of reviving itself.

Clears the mind – Increased tension makes you incapable of thinking clearly. After a soothing and revivifying session of massage, delivered in tranquil surroundings - the soft lights, soothing music, pleasant aromas of massage oils; the massage, delivered at the hands of an expert masseur, clears your mind of exaggerated anxiety and makes you capable of thinking with an unclouded mind. When you are bodily and mentally relaxed, you are capable of taking a more balanced and fresh perspective of your life situation.

After a massage session, you feel rejuvenated and more confident. The massage brings about an emotional release and improved balance in body, mind and emotions.

Commonly, with massage, stress can be controlled effectively. It is not going to dissolve away all those things that are causing you tension and stress in the first place, but it surely is going to help in making you mentally and physically more capable of taking life head-on!

Further Reading

Massage Benefits Your Mind, Body And Spirit

Types of Massage Therapy & Their Benefits

Stress Relief Tricks And Techniques: Top 10 Stress Relievers

How Does Stress Affect a Person....How It Affects You?

Seven Handpicked Stress Relief Music Albums

How Good Are You At Stress And Time Management?

Stress Relief Tips & Techniques: Top 10 Stress Relievers

Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety Relief

6 Simple Steps to Relaxation Response

Aromatherapy for stress relief: How Natural Scents Change Your Moods

What is Workplace Stress?

Back to HOME from Massage: Stress Relief Through Therapeutic Touch