How to achieve relaxation through different massage techniques.
Trying to relax yourself after a hectic and stressful day is easier said than done. Earlier this week in my blog, I talked about how many of the triggers that cause anxiety are not surprising or uncommon problems, but are ongoing stressors in our day-to-day lives. When you are constantly worrying about stress triggers such as relationships, job performance, and financial hardships, it’s difficult to free your mind of these topics and allow your body to relax. In addition to the three tips for being more relaxed and positive that I wrote about earlier this week, one of the best ways to achieve relaxation and separation from stress and anxiety is through massage therapy.
Massage therapy not only has numerous positive effects on your body, but it can also greatly benefit both your mind and your mood. Studies have shown that during massages, more serotonin and dopamine are present in your system which help to fight off stress, depression and anxiety.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, therapeutic massage has even been found to help relieve mental stress, promote a relaxed state of mind, reduce levels of anxiety, and improve awareness of mind-body connection.
This is because many types of massages, including typical therapeutic massage, have a soothing and sedative effect on the nervous system which helps to relieve anxiety and irritability.
Simply taking a break from the daily pressures and hardships of life to reward yourself with something positive, such as a massage or spa retreat, is already a positive step towards a more relaxed state of mind. Having time away from your stressors not only increases your ability to enjoy and understand life, but it also increases energy and self-awareness.
One type of massage I recommend for those who are looking for help with relaxation is a hot stone massage. This type of massage therapy utilizes heated stones which are then placed at specific points on the body to improve circulation and calm the nervous system, creating a sense of tranquility and peace. A hot stone massage can also help to relax your muscles, relieve body aches and pains, improve circulation and help rid the body of stress and tension.
If you’re looking for something that goes a little deeper to help you relax, try a deep tissue massage. This type of massage is very beneficial for stress release as the firm pressure helps to flush out toxins in your muscles and put the body and mind into a more relaxed state. In addition to reducing the tightness in your muscles, a deep tissue massage can help to lower blood pressure.
There are also many other types of massages out there that may be beneficial to both you and your body. If you have specific pain points, or “muscle knots,” throughout your body that are not allowing you to relax, look into getting a trigger point massage―a type of massage therapy that uses pressure to relieve pain in muscles, joints and other areas of the body.
Sports massages are also very beneficial for athletes who are looking to relax, as they can enhance feelings of invigoration, make you more aware of your mind-body connection, and help relieve anxiety about an upcoming game or event.
While treating yourself to a luxurious massage every once in a while is great way to relax and get away from the stressors in your life, the best way to achieve a satisfying reduction of stress and anxiety is to implement a bi-weekly or once-a-month massage treatment into your life. By doing this, you will begin to improve your body, your mind and your overall well-being.
