It has been scientifically proven that most diseases today are triggered by unmanaged stress. Tension is brought about by seemingly petty daily situations and irritants, such as work-related issues, relationships and even traffic or encounters with rude strangers. These stressful situations raise levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body and, unless released, these hormones can harm body tissues and will definitely weaken the immune system. This is why a lot of diseases are attributed to stress. In fact, cortisol has been dubbed the “stress hormone.”

Increased levels of cortisol have been found to cause sleep problems, headaches and problems in digestion. No wonder there is such a thing as a tension headache. Gastric problems and ulcer have also long been associated with tension. Sleeplessness, on the other hand, raises the blood pressure and that condition in itself can be dangerous. It also leads to other health complications, including heart disease. .

The pleasure induced by massage goes straight to the brain and lowers levels of anxiety. The natural mind-body connection then goes to work and triggers a decrease in cortisol levels.  Mood is immediately improved, stress is dissipated and the body freely goes into rest and recovery.

The effect of massage on the mind has lingering benefits. It starts a cycle that is the opposite of the cycle of stress. Whereas a mindset of irritability has a snowball effect on one’s environment and relationships, building up more and more tension, a calm and clear-thinking mindset fresh from massage therapy fosters a calmer environment and encourages better relationships more conducive to wellbeing. In fact, massage has also been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of depression and other psychological disorders. How much more beneficial could it be to people who are merely stressed by daily living?

Almost everyone asks for Swedish massage, which is generally very relaxing.   For chronically tense muscles in the back and legs, though, therapists recommend deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage is more intense than Swedish massage, with the goal of zeroing in on tight knots deep in the muscle tissues and tendons, as well as the fascia or the protective layer around the muscles, bones and joints. It could be uncomfortable at first but the healing effects are long term.

Sports massage is usually requested by athletes before and after a game or event. Regular sports massage prepares their bodies to perform at peak condition with less risk of injury. It also helps their bodies recover more quickly after a game.