Understanding stress
The body
undergoes several stages when it encounters a stressful situation. These stages
are the body's way of preparing itself for action. Several hormones are
released that tap the body's energy reserves and concentrates its attention,
readying it for action.
The body
adjusts itself depending on the length of exposure to stress. If the stressful
situation is quickly remedied the body returns to a normal, relaxed state of
being. If the stressful situation is extended then the body adapts and starts
to function on ‘high alert' all the time and begins to view this as the normal
state. Many health problems can occur from the exposure to repeated and
prolonged stress. Steps should be taken to relax the body back into resuming its
normal state of being in order to maintain optimal performance.
There are
different types of stress;
-
Short-term
stress, known as acute stress, is the
most common as it applies to situations that happen every day in short
durations.
-
Long-term
stress, known as chronic stress, is the kind that is endured when a person is
in a situation that seems omnipresent and goes on for an extended period of
time without relief.
-
Good
stress is known as eustress and is the type that is experienced while
entertained, excited or in pleasurable situations.
And some
important facts;
-
Stress
is a leading contributor to most illnesses and can cause premature aging.
-
Everyone
encounters stress but the way it influences their behavior is unique to each
person.
-
Each
person has the power to prevent much stress as well as to regulate the effect
that stress has on their lives.
-
People
that effectively cope with stress are more likely to be healthy, productive and
less prone to accidents.
-
The
amount of stress that a person endures is not relative to the impact that it
has, meaning that even small amounts of stress can be harmful.
-
Stress
is manageable and the healthiest people are the ones that manage it on a
regular basis.
Strategies for coping with stress
Long-term
exposure to stress is often referred to as ‘stress exhaustion' and can cause
some serious conditions like high blood pressure, ulcers, colitis, rheumatoid
arthritis, chronic migraines, depression and even eating disorders if left
unhandled.
An excellent
method of treatment that addresses many of these common symptoms is massage
therapy. Immune function and toxin removal is increased, as well as flexibility
and range of motion. Stress specific ailments like hypertension are aided by
decreased blood pressure and decreased levels of hormones such as cortisol.
A registered
massage therapist is qualified to assess and
treat the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and other connective tissues in
the body to address specific conditions as well as the overall betterment of
both physical and emotional health. Registered massage therapists will also
provide tips and techniques to get the most out of therapy as well as offering
remedial stretches and exercises to perform between sessions in order to
increase the benefits of treatment.
Many people
who seek stress relief from registered massage therapists look for a clinic
that offers Integrative Therapy which is a combination of differently
techniques such as traditional massage, hot stone massage,
craniosacral
therapy,
aromatherapy,
acupuncture,
reflexology, reiki, and shen. This approach to
healing is extremely comprehensive; holistically designed to reverse the
harmful effects of stress.