Stress is something we have all faced in our daily lives, and it can be debilitating at times. It can take a toll on our energy levels, emotions, and overall health. That’s why it is so important to find ways to reduce stress and stay healthy. Deep tissue massage is one way to do this.
Stress, a common denominator in modern life, often manifests physically, leading to chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders.1 When faced with perceived threats, our bodies initiate a “fight-or-flight” response.2 This physiological reaction, designed for survival, involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
While beneficial in acute situations, chronic stress overloads the system.3 Muscles tense as a protective mechanism, and prolonged tension can lead to pain, reduced flexibility, and impaired circulation. This vicious cycle often contributes to conditions like headaches, neck pain, and backaches. 4
Deep tissue massage can be a powerful tool in breaking this cycle.5 By targeting deep layers of muscle tissue, it helps to release chronic tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation.6 This, in turn, can reduce the body’s stress response, creating a cascade of positive effects.
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage therapy is a type of massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Unlike a regular massage, which typically uses lighter pressure, deep tissue massage applies more focused pressure to specific areas of the body, as well as stretching and kneading of the deeper tissues. It can help treat tight, painful muscles and is a great way to promote a sense of relaxation.
How does deep tissue massage work to relieve stress?
One of the main benefits of deep tissue massage is that it helps to lower the body’s levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. When these hormones are released during times of stress, the body experiences discomfort, fatigue, and can be less motivated to handle day-to-day tasks. Regular deep tissue massage can help reduce the levels of these hormones, providing relief from stress.
Deep tissue massage can also help promote better blood circulation. The increased blood flow helps the body to relax and promote healing. The massage itself also stimulates the release of endorphins which can make you feel relaxed and at ease.
We Can Help You!
When looking for a massage therapist to help you reduce your stress levels, look no further than IRIE Massage Therapy & Bodywork. Located in Huntington Beach at 16168 Beach Blvd #111, we offer deep tissue massage that is tailored specifically to meet your needs. So don’t let stress get you down – let us help you today. 🤗
- https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body#:~:text=When%20the%20body%20is%20stressed,guarding%20against%20injury%20and%20pain. ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/#:~:text=The%20body’s%20fight%2Dor%2Dflight,heart%20rate%20and%20adrenaline%20release. ↩︎
- https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/12/good-stress-bad-stress.html#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20chronic%20or%20long,have%20protective%20and%20beneficial%20effects. ↩︎
- https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body#:~:text=Our%20bodies%20are%20well%20equipped,serious%20effects%20on%20your%20body.&When%20the%20body%20is%20stressed,less%20constant%20state%20of%20guardedness. ↩︎
- https://kriegchiropractic.com/deep-tissue-massage-technique/#:~:text=Deep%20tissue%20massage%20technique%20is%20a%20powerful%20therapeutic%20approach%20that,pain%2C%20injury%2C%20and%20stress. ↩︎
- https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/deep-tissue-massage/#:~:text=Deep%20tissue%20massage%20helps%20to,a%20sense%20of%20well%2Dbeing.&text=From%20promoting%20circulation%20to%20relaxing,health%20as%20well%20the%20mind. ↩︎