Stress is everywhere. Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or the traffic and roadworks around Harrogate, our nervous systems are often stuck in overdrive. So I thought I’d use the International Day of Calm (it’s on the 5th April) to talk about stress and how massage therapy can help activate the body’s natural relaxation response.
Fight or Flight versus Rest and Digest
Our autonomic nervous system has two main branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) gears us up for action. It increases heart rate, tenses muscles, and floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. We need this system but our modern lives can contribute to us being in it rather too much.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is our built-in calming mechanism. It slows the heart rate, relaxes muscles, and supports digestion* and healing.
* That’s why you get tummy rumbles during a massage, which is nothing to apologise for, it’s completely natural and healthy!
When we’re constantly under stress, our bodies can get stuck in fight or flight mode, leading to tension, poor sleep, headaches, and a host of other issues. But massage is one of the most effective ways to encourage the parasympathetic nervous system to take over.
How massage helps switch off stress
Massage therapy helps shift the body from a state of high alert to one of deep relaxation by:
-Lowering cortisol levels . Studies show massage can reduce cortisol, the primary stress hormone, helping to calm the mind and body.
-Stimulating the Vagus Nerve. The vagus nerve plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate and promoting relaxation. Massage, especially around the neck and shoulders, can help activate this nerve.
-Releasing tension in muscles. Chronic stress leads to tight, painful muscles, especially in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Massage helps ease that tension, making it easier to fully relax.
-Encouraging deep breathing. A good massage naturally encourages slower, deeper breathing, which further supports the parasympathetic nervous system.
Recharge and calm your mind
This International Calm Day, why not take a moment for yourself? A massage isn’t just about easing muscle tension, it’s about giving your nervous system a break, allowing your body to reset and recharge.
If stress has been getting the better of you, now is the perfect time to prioritise relaxation. Book your massage and give yourself the gift of calm.
Recent Comments