Research has shown that massage is an essential tool to ease stress, and its many health benefits might just have you rethinking its role in preventative health care.
While stress can certainly wreak havoc on our health, not all stress is bad for you.There are two primary types of stress: Eustress and distress. These stress related terms originated in the late 1930’s by Hans Seyle, an endocrinologist and founder of Stress Theory. Seyle said eustress is a normal or positive stress response that energizes and motivates us to make a change or to get things done. He deemed distress as a negative stress response that leads us to feel overwhelmed and anxious, which he found adversely affected our biochemistry and contributed to various unwanted physical symptoms.
Hans Seyle stated that “Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older.”
This is because when we are stressed our brain responds via our hypothalamus and pituitary glands, triggering our adrenal glands to secrete the steroid hormone ‘cortisol’, widely known as the “stress hormone”. While cortisol plays an important role in regulating our body’s response to stress, long-term activation of the stress response and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress related hormones, have been shown to disrupt almost all of your body’s processes. This has been said to lead to issues with persistent high blood sugar, cause fluctuations in blood pressure, disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and lead to insomnia, slow down digestion and increase inflammation in the body, which further weakens the immune system. It also leads to DNA damage causing us to age faster, and lowers our brain’s 5-HT function, which has been shown to cause depression.
It’s plain to see that long-term stress and anxiety can be detrimental for both your physical and mental health. Conversely, when we lower our stress and cortisol levels, then we can induce a relaxed state. Enter massage, as a simple solution to cope, ease stress and promote health and well-being.
Massage is a wonderful way to relax the mind, body and soul. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to reduce stress hormones thereby returning the body to a more balanced state. Massage also stimulates the release of serotonin, a calming hormone that regulates mood, reduces irritability and promotes deep sleep. Therapeutic massage releases dopamine, dubbed the ‘happy’ hormone, which triggers inspiration, enthusiasm and joy. Let’s not forget the endorphins. Massage releases much needed endorphins that are known to reduce pain, contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing, reduce swelling and speed up healing.
In addition, massage improves circulation and stimulates blood flow, which allows our muscles and organs to heal and function properly. This helps to relieve muscle tension and supports overall health and well-being.
Finally, another significant benefit of massage is its large contribution to the immune system. When we receive massage, the lymphatic system (responsible for fighting infection) is stimulated. It was found in a recent study, that after a 45 minute massage session, participants had increased levels of lymphocytes (white blood cells, which play a significant role in defending the body against disease). Further, their cytokines (molecules known to be associated with inflammation) were markedly decreased. Overall, massage aids as a booster to the immune system.
Summing it All Up
Massage has been found to be helpful for anxiety, digestive disorders, headaches and insomnia related to stress. Plus massage calms the central nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, increases circulation, lowers blood pressure, eases chronic pain, facilitates the removal of toxins from the body, and helps to speed recovery from injury.
When you consider all the many incredible benefits of massage, it makes sense to incorporate it as part of a preventative care routine to promote optimal health and wellness. My parting message on massage is this: Self-care is self-love, an apropos notion for the month of February.
Franesa Pyle is the owner and founder of Botanicals Spa, a nature-inspired wellness spa located in Saratoga Springs. She is the creator behind organic skin care brands; Spa City Organics and Apothic Timeless Skincare. Ms. Pyle lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband Dr. Bert W. Pyle, III, and their two children. She loves all things health and self care related, spending time in nature, gardening, hobby farming, and DIY crafting.
