Stress is a natural part of life. It is caused by everyday situations like work, school or family conflict. You can't stop it from happening, according to HelpGuide.org, a mental health website, but you can fight it with a variety of relaxation techniques. Massage is a popular stress reliever because it gives a person a time-out to enjoy a physically and mentally pleasurable experience.
Definition
The word massage is a generic term for manipulating the skin, tendons, muscles and ligaments by rubbing or pressing them, the Mayo Clinic explains. There are various types of massage that involve everything from light touching and rubbing to applying deep pressure. Massage is used for a variety of reasons, from preventing or treating muscle injuries to helping a person relax.
Purpose
The Mayo Clinic cites massage as an effective stress management strategy. It can have other benefits, even when used for relaxation by a person with no injuries. It helps lower blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and can prevent stress from progressing into depression or a full-blown anxiety disorder.
Function
Massage reduces stress in several ways. It provides nurturing alone time solely focused on an individual. Most massages take place in a warm, dark room accompanied by soothing music. The masseuse's touch is usually gentle for a stress management massage, and the massage therapist may use aromatherapy oils like lavender to enhance the relaxation.
Time Frame
The Mayo Clinic states that massages usually last from 15 to 90 minutes, which fits in with the HelpGuide.org recommendation of devoting at least 10 to 20 minutes to stress management practices. Short chair massages do not even require a person to disrobe. This variable time frame makes them easy to schedule even for a very busy person. Someone whose stress is being triggered by poor time management can schedule a short treatment. This eliminates the excuse of "I don't have enough time to take care of myself." People who have more time can do a 60- or 90-minute session.
Effectiveness
Several studies have shown that massage is an effective stress management treatment. For example, researchers Steven Cady and Gwen Jones of Bowling Green State University found that 15 minute chair massages reduced blood pressure in a group of workers when performed at their work site. Several New Jersey doctors and researchers found that massage reduced academic stress and helped support the immune systems of medical students who were suffering from pre-exam anxiety. An English study of intensive care patients demonstrated that adding aromatherapy to a massage can enhance its stress reduction abilities.
Alternatives
There are alternatives for people who cannot get to a spa or afford a massage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those who have partners can do mutual massage sessions. There are also self-massage techniques that can be used by individuals.
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