Massage – Stress Relief | Phoenix | Scottsdale

Studies show that massage therapy is one of the best tools for stress relief. According to AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), 32% of massage consumers had a massage for relaxation/stress reduction between July 2011 and July 2012.

• In October 2008 the journal Psychooncology published a study entitled, “Massage in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy reduces serum cortisol and prolactin.” The conclusion of the study stated, “…a significant reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) could be safely achieved through massage, with associated improvement in psychological well-being.”
• In May 2008 The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry published a study entitled, “Pilot study evaluating the effect of massage therapy on stress, anxiety and aggression in a young adult psychiatric inpatient unit.”  The study concluded that “Massage therapy had immediate beneficial effects on anxiety-related measures.”

As we come into the fall season, it is important to remember that stress and fatigue levels elevate. Gone are the summer days of pools, activities, beaches and relaxation: replaced instead by work deadlines and the upcoming holidays. It is how we choose to manage this stress that helps determine our overall health going through the seasons. Massage therapy can be a good form of stress relief, however, there are other things to consider.

You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.

Steve M.

Stress contributes to immune problems such as allergies, muscle tension, upset stomach or heartburn, sore throats, sinus infections, colds & flu. It can also cause increased risk for migraine or tension headaches, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, angina, heart disease and heart attacks. Unfortunately, many individuals develop unhealthy behaviors to cope with stress.

When stress is at its peak, cortisol levels spike and it is hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

Stress relief during the holidays can be achieved if you follow these guidelines:

• Get enough sleep
• Eat & drink in moderation
• Stay on budget
• Plan ahead and don’t overextend yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and delegate when possible
• Relax
• Nurture your relationships
• Use stress management techniques, like deep breathing exercises, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, exercise, yoga or meditation

One of the easiest ways of regrouping is regular massage care. Let the hands of a highly trained massage therapists help take the holiday pains away.

New Serenity Spa Scottsdale is  proud to showcase our beautiful yoga and relaxation studio. A private, serene setting decked in beautiful colors. With classes beginning this October 14th, it is sure to be a private realm of relaxation that you can escape to during your busy week. Scottsdale has many yoga studios and instructors, but few rival the serenity and mindful, healing attitude of our new Yoga studio at New Serenity Spa in Scottsdale.

Gone are the summer days of pools, activities, beaches and relaxation: replaced instead by work deadlines and the upcoming holidays. It is how we choose to manage this stress that helps determine our overall health going through the seasons.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA):

It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.

When everything fails, consider a 1-2 hr of massage therapy for immediate stress relief.  Our recent article on the top 10 reasons for massage therapy makes it clear that massage has lots of benefits!