Most of us have stress in our daily lives related to work, family, environment and society. Stress causes the release of hormones that cause shrinking of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and impede blood circulation. As a result, the heart works harder, breathing becomes rapid and shallow and digestion slows. Research shows that stress can contribute to migraines, hypertension, depression, peptic ulcers, and other ailments. Medical researchers have estimated that 80% of all diseases are significantly related to stress. Stress affects almost every bodily process. Stress can also lower the natural defenses of the body's immune system and its ability to fight disease. Massage allows time for the replenishment of innate resources of vital energy.
Massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals. It increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the alpha brain waves associated with relaxation and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins. Massage lowers norepinephrine ("adrenalin") and lowers the stress hormone, ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Many people who receive massage therapy discover that they have found a form of "drugless therapy."
