Stress: The Good, The Bad, and how it can make you Ugly!

Stress triggers the fight or flight response of the sympathetic system of the brain.  Stress is a natural reaction to any situation that may cause the body to go into a protection mode.  The hormone cortisol is released as a response to stress increasing heart rate and creating muscle tension.  This is the way for the body to prepare and protect itself of a stressful situation of life or death.  This type of stress response is a fight to stay safe.  The release of cortisol is a way to prepare for mental and physical excursions.  Modern say stress such as a job, money, or even friends is not a life or death, “fight of flight” situation.  However, stress is stress to the brain and the is  a reaction to try to protect the body.  Chronic stress leads to the continual release of cortisol which ages the body, decreases bone density, increases the chance of heart disease, and decrease immune functions.

  The body has a way of healing itself and wanting to maintain a balance; maintain homeostasis.  Oxytocin is the hormone released that helps balance out cortisol levels in the brain.  Therapeutic massage is a way to address cortisol  levels in the body.  With massage, the brain is stimulated to release oxytocin, decreasing stress levels and minimizing the release of cortisol.  Also, with massage there is an increase of circulation and the blood and lymphatic system; pushing along oxygen and vital nutrients throughout the body and encouraging the body to flush out toxins that may have built up due to chronic stress.  

Keep in mind that the affects of chronic stress happen over a period of time and not overnight.  One massage session will not fully create a balance in the mind and body but it is a starting point.  The best way to address the issue of chronic stress with your therapist is discuss what causes the stress and when the worse affects are felt.  At the beginning, frequent sessions may be necessary to help calm the mind, but the goal is to create a state of maintenance and balance.

Stress is not a negative affect; it is a way for the body to protect itself and maintain safety. However, frequently feeling or chronic having stress with take its toll on the body.  Massage is a great way to address theses issues.  Scheduling regular massage sessions is a way also of making the time to take care of yourself.