Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Slash Your Stress with Massage Chair Therapy

By James Knolan

There is so much stress in our lives in this modern era that we live in. We are hit from all sides whether from home or from work. These pressures seem to be increasing. In previous eras danger from physical harm was the major cause of stress. This acute type of stress caused what is called the fight or flight reaction. We are under less physical danger these days as stress has shifted to more mental stress. The type of stress has changed, but not our reaction to it.

What happens when we come under stress? Our body's natural reactions take over. Our breathing is increased as well as our heart rate. The major organs shut down all but the most vital functions to support hands and feet. Adrenaline is released to get the body primed for taking action. We feel a nervousness and tension as we are facing the unknown. All this chemical reaction is occurring with the build up of a physical action about to take place. However, when the stress is mental there is no physical release.

You know when you have a big meeting, you have a nervous reaction which is similar to the fight or flight reaction. Part of your stress management is to redirect this nervous energy into helping you perform better in the meeting. This takes discipline and training. Many top athletes are able to channel this nervous energy into higher levels of performance. But again with athletic performance there is a physical release of this built up energy.

For those of us under stress at work or otherwise, we may not have the physical outlets that can effectively release this built up stress. Massage therapy is an excellent method to counteract the build up of these mental stresses. Massage therapy helps to relax the muscles by loosening them up. It helps to reduce the toxin build up in muscles and tissues. Reflexology massage targets the major organs for relaxation via the trigger points in the hands and feet.

A very convenient alternative to going to a massage therapist is a massage chair recliner. These advanced massage recliners have massage therapies ranging from deep tissue, Shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish and many others. There are various benefits to each massage type and each may focus on particular benefits. They will all help relieve discomfort and tension. They all help your mind to relax. These treatments enhance the flow of the lymph system and the blood. Both of these systems filter out chemicals that build up in the body.

Massage therapy is a very effective tool to relieve and release stress in our lives. We may not be able to eliminate the causes of stress, but we can find effective tools to counteract its impact on us. Massage chairs offer tremendous convenience and access to regular massage therapy. They also have supplemental capabilities to enhance the massage experience. Some recliners have stretching capability for the shoulders and lower body. Some have music players to help your relax your mind and body. You can find some with heat that can be applied in specific areas. All of these features are designed to help your body totally relax.

Stress management is about having the right set of tools to effectively redirect, neutralize and release the affects of stress. Wouldn't it be great to be able to sit down in a massage recliner. Let it start to ease your aches and pains. Release the build up of tension in the shoulder and neck areas. Take your mind off the stressful situation for 15 or 20 minutes. Give you a chance to regroup, rethink your situation with a fresh mind and body. A massage chair recliner can be a very effective and convenient tool in your stress management tool box. - 14130

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