Anxiety and Massage

Anxiety and Massage

In our world, anxiety has become a too common and perhaps expected part of our day. Anxiety in today’s worlds can from expectations will all place on our self, The Australian Institute of Health and Wellness show that 1 in 6 Australians are affected by anxiety disorders which can present as mild through to impacting day-to-day function.

How does this affect your physical health?

Alongside the mental and emotional impacts anxiety can have on a person health, there are also the physical impact and discomfort. These discomforts usually present in the form of muscle tension. Mental and physical anxiety often arises simultaneously. When a person is anxious muscles contract or shorten, leading to discomfort or pain. High levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol may increase a sufferer’s sensitivity to pain. Anxiety may also prohibit or inhibit your ability to exercise or stretch and may also affect posture and gait. The strain caused by actions such as these may lead to muscles tension, and furthermore muscle pain

Massage is known to be a great relaxation tool, a decrease in blood pressure and that participants had an easier time breathing.

Massage stimulates a part of the brain known as the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. It is an area of the brain linked to sensations of happiness and enjoyment.