Presented By: Rachael Lewis

Stress, we have all experienced it, but what is it exactly? Do you ever feel unusually nervous? Are you edgy? Angry or unhappy? Find yourself forgetting things? Have you lost your sense of humor? Think these symptoms are the result of doing too much? These are just some of the symptoms that make us aware of our modern life style.

Hans Sele identified the biological response of our body to a wide range of
“unpleasant sensory or psychological experiences” back in the 1930’s. You could say that this time was the beginning of our modern world. It is these collective unpleasant events that have become known as “stressors” that we now associate as stress. Dr. Herbert Benson, Associate Professor at Harvard Medi-cal School, Founding Presi-dent at Mind/Body Medical Institute at New England Deaconess Hospital, defines stress as “any situation that we cannot do anything about.”

It is thought that over the millennia that “stressors” have prompted our body to develop the survival response to either fight or flee. During an unpleasant event our autonomic nervous system releases neurotransmitters into the body. The neurotransmitters stimulate an increase in the heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Blood flow has been shown to increase by 300-400%! So, in the “good old days”, this was a great response because it gave our body the speed and strength to cope with the unpleasant experience. Also, in the “good old days” the unpleasant event ended, usually very soon after it started, and our body functions could return to normal activity level.

New studies have revealed that after 5-10 minutes of stress, the body begins to intensify its response by engaging the organs of the endricine system, the hypothalamus pituitary and the adrenal cortex, that all produce hormones that are actually toxic. When stress continues over long periods of time without relief the affects increase. Stress can suppress the immune system; increase the opportunity for heart disease, ulcers, loss of memory and even a particular type of obesity. According to Dr. Benson, over half the complaints that bring people their physicians are exacerbated by stress.

Recent studies performed by the National Institute for Health, found that therapeutic massage had numerous benefits. In one study, cancer patients who had massage therapy while undergoing bone marrow transplant was much less anxious and fatigued. In another study, HIV exposed infants who received massage therapy fared better than those who did not, in terms of weight gain, neonatal performance and exhibition of stress behaviors. Medical & nursing students who had massage therapy demonstrated an increased immune response (immunoglobulin and apoptosis) in the week before professional board exams, compared to those who did not. In yet another study that was conducted by Lluminari, a national health education firm based in Delaware reports found that stress is affecting the health of Americans. The researchers found that the way men and women are managed at work puts both at an increased risk for cardiovascular problems, depression and higher susceptibility to infectious disease. Knowing that massage therapy has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and stimulate the brain to produce endorphins which make you feel good, it makes since to include therapeutic massage as part of your personal program for wellbeing. So whether your stress is caused by the prospect of surgery, exposure to disease, and headache from work, consider a therapeutic massage for quick relief and a new outlook.

So, what to do? First take stress seriously. There is a test available to actually measure your stress level based on concentration of certain hormones in your salvia. See your doctor and talk about your concerns. Second, recognize that you can make some changes; delegate responsibility, communicate, and ask for help from family or co-workers. Be aware that the consumption of caffeine and or alcohol may exacerbate any symptoms you are feeling. Third, strengthen your ability to cope with stress you cannot change. You can do this by giving yourself permission to spend extra time with those you love, set aside time regularly to recover your spirit and feel good, or make an appointment for a massage. Fourth exercise regularly, and make sure it’s a fun activity, and not work. Perhaps you could walk on the beach or in the woods. This will distract you mentally, and physically your body will release endorphins. Finally, practice relaxation techniques, such as massage, mediation/prayer, yoga or Tai chi.

Rachel Lewis is a Nationally Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware with over 10 years experience in the massage and bodywork industry. She is the founder and owner of Alternative Therapy Massage Center and School. Alternative Therapy’s experienced staff accepts clients at four locations: Newark, Wilmington, New Castle and Middletown. Massage Therapy classes are held at the Newark location. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit us at www.alter nativetherapyllc.com or call 302-368-0800.

Publisher’s Note:

What a wonderful facility. I have had numerous massages from Alternative Therapy and I can honestly say they have all been great. If you are looking for a wonderful way to relax, or if you need a massage to treat your tired body, the girls at Alternative Therapy can meet your every need.

Reference:
Sapolsky, Robert “Why Zebras don’t get Ulcers, a guide to stress, stress related diseases and coping”, W. H. Freeman & Co, NYC, 1994

Justice, Blair, PhD, “Who Gets Sick”, Peak Press 2401 Westgate, Suite 200, Houston, TX, 77019, 2000.

Newsweek, June 14, 1999, “Stress, How it Attacks Your Body”, p. 54-63.

The Physicians and Sports medicine, Vol. 22, No. 7, Patient Advisor, p. 71, Stress; How to Help Patients Cope”, p.66, July 1994.

Alternative Therapies, Vol. 3, No. 4, “Job Stress Reduction Therapies”, p. 54

Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 2004, p.26