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Stress Relief With Therapeutic Massage
Renewing your energy reserves
When you are overtaxed and running on empty, massage can help you recharge and restore the energy and creativity you need to successfully meet your challenges in a number of ways.
Release of muscle tension. Massage can relieve painful muscle tension that can sap your energy. Your massage therapist may use kneading and stretching to loosen your muscles and their connective tissue coverings (called fascia). Another common technique is to use skillfully directed pressure to release painful "trigger points" in both muscles and fascia. Though the effects of a single session may be temporary, a well- spaced series can actually reverse chronic muscle contraction. Massage also stimulates the reverse release of endorphins, your body's natural pain- killers, giving you a "pain break" and creating a sense of well being.
Increased circulation. Massage increases circulation, clearing out accumulated stress hormones and waste products that can make you feel tired and sore, and bathing your cells with nutrients vital for tissue repair. A short- term increase in oxygen to your brain can reduce mental fatigue and improve your ability to concentrate and attend to your problems. As your tissues are cleansed and flooded with nutrients, you may even experience relief from emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression, along with a renewed sense of optimism, which can last for days.
Improves sleep. The quality of restful sleep usually improves in the days following massage. This gives your body a chance to further repair and restore your energy levels.
Psychological support. Finally, massage gives you a measure of control. Just knowing that there is something you can do to take care of yourself when you need it helps you feel less at the mercy of external events.
If you have any questions about this article, or any other massage related subjects then feel free to contact myself or Julie at the website or clinic.
Yours in health,
Christena Chesney (RMT)
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