April is Stress Awareness month
We all have stress in our lives at some point but long term stress can have a detrimental effect on your well being both physically and emotionally. According to the Health & Safety Executive 12.5 million days were lost to stress related illness in 2016/17. This why nowadays companies are investing in well being programs for employees are part of their benefits package. For more information on how stress can effect your body click here
So how can massage help in reducing your stress levels?
During a massage ,the session can tap into a part of the bodies nervous system subset called the parasympathetic nervous system. By accessing this ,it can dial down all the hormones and chemicals your body produce that get you ready for a “fight” or “flight” scenario in a stressful situation such as adrenaline and cortisol. The effects of which can lower your blood pressure, your heart rate and slow down your breathing pattern. Reducing your cortisol level will give your immune system a boost.
Other chemicals or neurotransmitters that secreted by the brain during or immediately after a massage session :
Serotonin Is produced by specialised cells in the brain. It is sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to a sense of wellbeing and happiness. A low serotonin level is thought to be linked to depression, although it is unclear if the depression itself causes low serotonin levels. Serotonin is precursor to another chemical called melatonin and therefore is thought to regulate sleep/wake cycle patterns and the bodies internal clock.
Dopamine is produced by a certain part of the brain and is sometimes called the “happiness” molecule as it produces feeling of pleasure and reward. Dopamine is associated with many functions such as co-ordination, memory, focus and attention creativity and the bodies ability to process pain. Low levels of dopamine are associated with depression, ADHD and Parkinson's disease. (read more…)
Oxytocin is a hormone produce by the hypothalamus part of the brain. Oxytocin naturally enhances a sense of optimism, trust , and self -esteem. It has also been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body , lower blood pressure and improve gut motility.
Endorphins which are secreted by the brain they are the bodies own morphine which can result in the perception of pain being lower and also have pleasure boosting effects resulting in a higher state of well being (read more…)
With all these positive effects who wouldn’t like a massage ?
