No one is a stranger to stress, whether it is school, work, relationships, or a pandemic, everyone has experienced stress at some point. High levels of stress can cause a lot of health problems, especially when it goes untreated for long periods of time. Here are some common symptoms of stress according to The Cleveland Clinic:

• Aches and pains.

• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.

• Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.

• Headaches, dizziness or shaking.

• High blood pressure.

• Muscle tension or jaw clenching.

• Stomach or digestive problems.

• Trouble having sex.

• Weak immune system.

Does this sound like you? These physical symptoms, coupled with the many mental and emotional symptoms can be really challenging to overcome. While you may not be able to eliminate stress in your life altogether, you can manage some of the symptoms to improve your quality of life.

One proven and healthy way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques such as massage therapy. Here are 5 ways getting regular massages can help if you are experiencing stress.

1. Seratonin Increases

   Seratonin is a natural mood stabilizer chemical in the body that can actively reduce stress and depression. After receiving a massage, serotonin levels increase by an average of 28%! This will leave you feeling calm and relaxed following your session.

2. Boost immune system

   Evidence suggests that receiving a massage, especially a lymphatic massage, can increase your immune system! By increasing circulation and removing toxins, your immune system can be enhanced through regular massages.

3. Reduces headaches

   Deep tissue and Swedish massage therapy can help manage headaches. They can also manage recurring and chronic headaches caused by stress.

4. Regulates sleep schedule

   Massage reduces stress by decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone) and increasing serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters that help to stabilize mood). Using massage to decrease stress and to promote relaxation may help you sleep better.

5. Helps aches and pains

   Massages can help with aches and pains caused by stress. By relaxing the tension in your body, aches and pains can be relieved.

Massage therapy can help manage stress and the symptoms that come along with it. Call Monacella Massage to be matched with your perfect massage!

Sources used:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-massage-relieve-symptoms-of-depression-anxiety-and-stress#:~:text=And%20when%20cortisol%20levels%20decline,anxiety%20and%20feelings%20of%20sadness.

https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/expert-health-articles/massage-therapy-and-your-immune-system#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20receiving,help%20with%20reduction%20of%20cortisol.

https://www.sleep.org/can-massage-help-you-sleep/#:~:text=Massage%20reduces%20stress%20by%20decreasing,may%20help%20you%20sleep%20better.