ultimately realize the correlation between stress and disease. Since then scientists and other researchers have focused on trying to understand how stress relates to all areas of physiology and human functioning in general.
Around the same time, and perhaps as an antidote to the newfound realization of the stresses of modern life, massage therapy was moving from the realm of the medical profession into the counterculture world, along with a resurgence of interest in Eastern philosophies, meditation and feminism. Between the 1960s and 1970s health and healing practices from the East, including yoga, acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine were introduced into the American mainstream.
In the 1970s the Esalen Institute in California introduced Rolfing, the Feldenkrais Method, Trager and its trademarked Esalen massage method to the human potential movement and the profession of bodywork.
Over the past 50 years more techniques and methods have been added to the repertoire of massage therapists, in part to deal with the physical ills of individuals, but mostly to counter the effects of stress on the body and mind.
How Does Stress Affect The Body?
If a person feels threatened, the body will reorganize its priorities to maintain homeostasis. Resources are moved from one area to another in order to better cope with the stress. These changes include:
• Reduction of digestion and elimination
• Lowering of immune function
• Release of neurotransmitters, producing heightened awareness
• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
• Less energy going towards cell production and repair
• Hormonal shifts, such as an increased production of adrenalin and cortisol
If these changes are short term and end after the perceived threat has passed, the body will return to normal. If these changes persist well beyond the danger, the body will start to break down and react in ways that are counterproductive to good health, including:
• Abnormal sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep)
• Eating disorders (over or under eating to the point of obesity or anorexia)
• Cardiovascular problems (leading to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure)
• Digestive problems (such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal cramps, diarrhea, constipation)
• Muscular aches and pains
• Immune system disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, etc.)
• Hormonal disorders (hyper-, hypothyroid, diabetes, etc.)
• Skin problems (unidentified rashes, eczema, psoriasis, hives, etc.)
Over the past 20 to 30 years the area of stress management has become one of the medical profession's greatest concerns. General practitioners, various specialties within the profession, psychologists and complementary care workers, including bodyworkers such as massage therapists, have devoted a lot of their time trying to reduce and relieve stress in their clients.
For the most part it may turn out that stress cannot be totally avoided, but there are ways to build energy reserves and reduce the effect stress has on life.
1. Practice deep breathing - Breathing is necessary for life. Breathing deeply gives the body an abundance of this requirement, which in turn helps to decrease stress and anxiety.
2. Drink a lot of water - Drinking a lot of clean, pure water is also vital for life. Taking in an adequate amount of water helps to eliminate toxins and metabolic waste.
3. Eat healthy foods - Eating fresh, unprocessed foods gives the body the balance of minerals, vitamins and nourishments it needs to maintain good health.
4. Meditate and pray - Putting aside time for peace and quiet helps to relax both the mind and body.
5. Exercise moderately - Too much or too little exercise can cause tension as well as exhaustion in the body. Moderate exercise is energizing. It helps to increase circulation and gives a boost to the immune system.
6. Find balance in your life - Make time for both work and play. Include creativity in your life. Too much of any one activity is not good and can lead to burnout or even physical illness.
7. Be kind - Be kind not only 