You head in for a massage. It’s calming and relaxing. Your body needs it and you realise how good it feels afterwards and for the days following.
You are happy, peaceful and feel a sense of joy.
Your body feels nurtured and cared for.
Massage is great to calm the mind and body
Here’s the thing: while your body is so calm and relaxed, massage is also doing wonders for your nervous system and your mind – NOT just your physical being.
As business owners, parents, friends and the many other hats we wear it is super easy to feel the stresses of everyday life. There are many competing stresses thrown at us on a daily basis. Our nervous system can get to the point where it feels like it is fight or flight constantly.
… So… we need to be building into our month times to stop, relax, calm the mind, body and spirit – and of course massage is one of the best ways we can do so.
Massage is super relaxing right?!
Massage lowers our blood pressure and decreases stress
While we feel the amazing physical benefits, part of the calm we feel is our nervous system going into rest and digest, lowering our blood pressure and so decreasing our stress levels. As soon as you get on the massage table we have the ability to let go. As the muscles release the mind calms we feel the relief that is so clearly needed. In most people there is also a flow on- effect to other parts of their lives.
Massage helps us to breathe and reduces our stress response
Our mood becomes calm as we relax – and breathe. Our stress response is reduced as neurotransmitters like serotonin are released, enabling the mind to let go of anxiety and tension we may be feeling. This makes us feel happier and less snappy. This is great, it means that those around us appreciate our mood and we are someone who everyone likes to be around. Much better than the alternative.
We are also able to cope with the stresses of life so much better.
Massage helps boost our mood
That floaty feeling that you get after a massage is our ability to let go, but also our body releasing endorphins which boosts our mood and helps us to feel fabulous. This means that after a massage we feel better in ourselves and our sense of self is increased.
What massage is best for stress relief?
The answer is there is not a one size fits all answer.
This is a very subjective question. We all enjoy different types of massages. At certain points of time we crave light, soft touch, whereas for some of us there are times when deep pressure is what is needed to ensure our body feels physical release and calm.
What massage should you get?
My very favourite massage is Raindrop Technique. I love the oils that drip drop onto my back, the feathering and fanning of oils along my spine and the deep, calming aroma of the essential oils after the session, as well as the way I feel so grounded after a Raindrop. However my body often really needs a deep pressure massage. So it’s likely I will have this more often than relaxation or Raindrop. However there are times when I need to feel relaxed and at peace. This is when I will choose a relaxation massage, or even an energy healing session.
Massage is a fabulous way to reduce stress, calm the mind and nervous system. It can be deeply relaxing, or alternatively enable your muscles to release and the blood to circulate more efficiently. It is an amazing way for self care: mind, body and spirit. Your nervous system loves massage – because it is such an amazing way to help it become grounded, calm and at peace.
Haven’t had one in a while? Perhaps it’s time to give your nervous system some R an R, it will definitely thank you. Reach out for more info. Here to help.
Wholistic Wellness Hub 