Stress management is important for health and disease prevention. In a medical or biological context Stress is a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. Stress can initiate a complex neurologic reaction often known as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
The stress response begins when a real or perceived threat arises. The hypothalamus, which controls the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system receives a signal that there is a threat. In response it releases hormones. Stress Hormones have a specific effects on the body including:
Decreasing insulin sensitivity
Increasing blood pressure
Increasing blood sugar
Narrowing arteries
These are normal responses that ensure the body has enough energy to cope with a perceived threat. Proper recognition of, and response to, stress is essential to survival, but when excessive and particularly prolonged, these stress responses can negatively impact cellular longevity.
Health consequences associated with prolonged stress response include:
Arterial damage
Atherosclerosis
Depression
Insomnia
Metabolic syndrome
Suppressed immune function
Type II diabetes
Weight gain
Stress is a normal part of life and stress responses are essential to survival. The cellular changes that result from prolonged chronic stress increase the likelihood of chronic diseases and premature aging. Shifting out of a stress response and allowing the body to rest, repair and recover is quite essential.
Massage and Bodywork is one of the many modalities that help shift the body out of stress response, improving function and longevity on a cellular level. Massage interrupts the breakdown on a cellular level and helps our clients be calm, content and relaxed individuals who are at peace in their own bodies.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offers a discounted monthly Massage Membership program. For more information call 978-825-0040 or email info@bodysoulsalem.com
HSA/FSA Health Savings Plans accepted.