In many posts over recent years, I have identified and discussed multiple factors related to stress reduction. These have included our thoughts and mindset, our brain, exercise, diet, progressive muscle relaxation, social support, proper goal setting and time management, maintaining a focus, workplace factors, and the role of depression. During this past week, I had opportunity to remind myself of yet another helpful factor. I had three massages while away on a trip last week.
We all seek positive well-being and control of our reaction to the stresses of life. To have a good well-being you need to be fit, healthy, and mentally happy. There are many different ways to reach a good well-being and reduce your life stressors. Massage is often cited as a useful tool to reach a state of positive well-being not only because of its physical benefits but also because of its mental benefits. Essentially, massage can make your mind, body and soul feel very good. We discuss this in detail in our book (I Can't Take It Anymore: How to Manage Stress so It Doesn't Manage You; Paul G. Longobardi, Ph.D., and Janice B. Longobardi, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N.), available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/ 1542458056. If you would like more information about the authors and the book, visit our website at www.manageyourhealthandstress.com . But let me continue here about some of the benefits of massage.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, in 2006, 39 million Americans, or one in six, received at least one professional massage. Clearly, Americans are seriously interested in stress relief as well as the many other benefits of massage.
The Mayo Clinic identified massage as a valid medical method to reduce stress and pain and reported, "Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking." The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry conducted a study that concluded, "Massage therapy had immediate beneficial effects on anxiety-related measures."The Franklin Institute reported, "Massage releases endorphins that calm the peripheral nervous system." The PsychoOncology Journal in 2008 reported that, "Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol (a stress hormone) and prolactin. A significant reduction in cortisol could be safely achieved through massage, with associated improvement in psychological well-being."
What about the possibility of benefits from massage in the workplace? In an article in the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Shulman and Jones showed significant reductions in anxiety levels were found for their massage group compared to a control group who participated in break therapy. In some other workplace studies, reductions in blood pressure have been found as well. In fact, on-site chair massage therapy programs are becoming more common in various organizations.
In a statement from the Mayo Clinic it is noted, "Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being." Consider adding this modality to your stress relief program. By the way, yes, I experienced significant muscle and mental relaxation as well as reduced tension from my massages this past week.
Best of luck on your journey.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For other posts on this and related topics, please visit my website at www.successandmindset.com.