Long term stress can affect you in many ways as I previously noted in Q1 newsletter 2009.  I promised to include stress busting tips and ideas in the previous edition and it is such a massive topic I think it will just continue to run until I get there!
 
With symptoms including headaches, migraines, asthma, skin conditions e.g. eczema, heart-burn, IBS, tension, aches and pains you can very easily feel anxious or depressed (also classic symptoms of stress) and wonder if there is anything that will actually help.
 
Ok guys, obviously I have to explain the reason why massage HAS to be my number one on the stress busting list!
 
It's not just a case that someone does something 'nice' to you for an hour or so, nor that you were able to schedule an hour into your busy routine, there are more powerful 'forces' at work which actually decrease the stress levels and (albeit temporarily) will neutralise the effects (obviously, the more regularly you have one the better your body will respond and 'learn' to relax.
Basically (as jargon free as I can make it) the stopping what you are doing and doing nothing allows your body to produce less stress hormones (you will remember the fight or flight ones from your adrenal system from school I am sure). It's these hormones which are the cause of the problems we suffer physically. The stress hormones are produced and are in a 'normal' day to day situation useful, making us more alert or having better memory etc, however, prolonged pumping the hormones will actually prove harmful long term. For example, indigestion and stomach ulcers can be directly linked to the over production of stress hormones because the hormones affect the digestive system, it becomes sluggish and we break food down much slower than we should, as well as having excess acids produced which in time can affect the lining and cause it to ulcerate. Of course, for all of us who have had stressful periods of life, how easy is it to skip meals and survive on coffee and cigarettes (most of us have done it!!)
 
The muscles are helped greatly by the release of tension and tightness (and if you've read the joint care article you will know this is a double-edged whammy!) Fatigue in muscle tissue is reduced by removing lactic acid, this helps prevent the formation of fibrositis (inflammation within the muscle fibres), thus, muscles work at maximum efficiency!
Our skeleton is affected by massage too! Massage warms joints, reduces pain and increases production of synovial fluid which protects bone ends.
Our heart (including circulation) receives the very positive assistance from massage too! It increases blood circulation bringing oxygen to muscles and removing waste products such as lactic acid, helps heat up cold extremities, e.g. hands and feet, generally increases heart function.
Our lymphatic system (this is where many waste products are removed) Massage helps to reduce excess fluid in tissues (oedema).
Our breathing becomes slower and deeper, and the lung efficiency becomes increased so more oxygen taken in and more carbon dioxide expelled
Our urinary system is kick started and there is an increase of the production of urine.
Our digestive system starts to work more effective thus helps prevent constipation (or if IBS an issue, it balances it and slows gut action down)
The action on the endocrine system itself is very important, massage aids circulation of hormones around the body, it can assist depression by helping the uptake of the hormone Serotonin, and relieves stress by decreasing the levels of adrenaline.
 
So you see, massage HAS to be the best (and immediately effective) thing you can do.  But, that's only a small wedge of the pie.  What else?? So this time I am thinking for most of us stopping and doing nothing for 10-15 mins is an impossible task, but consider how mad that actually sound 10-15 mins THAT'S ALL!
 
You will notice I burn either oil or incense when treating. There are many reasons for this but the main one is that  you can also burn oil at home, and put a relaxing CD to play and your body will respond and 'dump' a load of tension.
One CD which is widely available on those stands which you can play a few mins of each track you see all over the place is Sleep by a company called Solitudes- this CD has been designed with the alpha waves wound throughout which actually sends you to sleep. Its one I am unable to use when treating you..... why you ask? Believe it or not I yawn all the way through the treatment, combine that with some of the aromatherapy oils I use and I have had some difficult and very long days!
 
So, you have the massage rationale, now you know about the music, next the smells.
A  few drops in water on the burner  will create a relaxing ambiance and help you chill out, dim the lights if you can and just stop...............turn off the phone (or put it on silent with no vibrate,),  it won't matter for a few mins to not be ready to take a call! Do nothing at all for 10 mins. Breathe deeply (many believe breathing is the key to success when it comes to stress busting!) Breathe deeply creating a Buddha belly, this will ensure you use all of your lung as opposed to a half or so of it!