Massage therapy encompasses a wide range of techniques designed to target anything from sports-related injuries to back pain and general anxiety. While various massage modalities focus on specific treatments, most all massage provides some level of stress relief. Doctors at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine report that massage is particularly effective for reducing tension by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, decreasing anxiety levels, and elevating moods.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common technique used to reduce stress and increase energy. It is a soothing modality usually performed in a quiet, relaxing environment. Massage therapists who perform Swedish massages typically remain soft-spoken or completely quiet throughout the session to allow clients to rest their minds as well as their bodies. Swedish massage employs long, gentle strokes to loosen muscles and increase blood circulation. Unlike deep tissue massage that involves pushing hard on tightened muscles, Swedish massage relies on gentle kneading in circular motions that target tension and relax the body.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu massage, or acupressure, is a form of massage performed primarily with the fingers. It is designed to target the meridian points on the body that trigger tension. Gentle pressure on those points can help to relieve anxiety and eliminate stress. By applying pressure to specific energy points, the Shiatsu practitioner aims to align the “chi,” or life energy, and balance both the body and mind. Shiatsu massage therapists utilize the same meridian charts as those employed by acupuncture practitioners.
Self-Massage
While taking time to lie down on a massage table and receive a stress-reducing massage from a trained therapist can in itself be relaxing, there are techniques you can do yourself to reduce stress. To relieve shoulder tension, reach across your body and make slow circular motions on the opposite shoulder. Apply pressure to work out the knots. Continue for a couple minutes and then switch to the other side. Ease tension when you feel that your head is going to explode by placing your thumbs behind your ears and spreading your fingers over the top of your head. Gently move the scalp with small circular motions so that it moves back and forth. Continue for about 20 seconds to relax. A relaxing pressure point is on the bridge of the nose between the eyes. Place your ring fingers on the area and apply pressure for a count of 10, stop and repeat two or three times.
