What is Stress?
By definition, stress is the emotional, mental and physical strain experienced when we feel the inability to cope with certain situations and events.
Some forms of stress are essential to life. They add excitement to life, help us get through our workouts and generally help us with getting things done. When levels get out of control however, one's health, relationships and work may suffer as a result.
How Does Stress Affect the Body?
Stress affects the body in many different ways. Mental signs of stress include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Tension
- Fatigue
- Insomnia and restlessness
Physical signs of stress include:
- Heart palpitations
- Breathing difficulties
- Dry mouth
- Stomach problems
- Frequent urination
- Sweat
- Tension in muscles
- Trembling
- Headaches
What is an Indian Head Massage?
As implied by the name, the Indian Head Massage is a form of massage therapy created in India thousands of years ago. It is deep style a massage derived from the Ayurvedic tradition that focuses on the head, shoulders and neck.
Through a variety of different techniques, the massage works to release any blocked negative energy in the body that may be manifesting itself as disease or injury in any one of the seven Chakras (energy centres) of the body. It does so by applying pressure to certain points on the neck, shoulders and head that correspond to each Chakra (which is a similar approach to that of reflexology). This unblocks the Chakras, and allows for a free flow of energy around the body, restoring the individual to optimum health and feelings of wellbeing.
How an Indian Head Massage Relieves Stress
An Indian head massage relives stress levels by:
Relieving tension in the body
The neck, head and shoulders are often the place stress can present itself. Their muscles can become tense and hard, causing heachaches, soreness and other forms of pain. The Indian Head massage releases the muscle from any tension by manipulating the muscle through the use of certain pressure points.
Reducing Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
A racing heartbeat and surge in blood pressure another common sign of stress. A person experiencing extreme levels of anxiety especially experiences this. The therapeutic touch experienced in an Indian Head Massage reduces the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and diminishing palpitations as a result.
Reducing Pain
Emotional stress is renown for causing pains in the body, and pains in the body is known for causing emotional stress! Both are both relieved in an Indian Head massage when tensions held in the body are released. The massage also promotes increased circulation and increased levels of Oxygen in the bloodstream that are required to heal stiffness and soreness in the muscles.
Healing hands
The simple touch of human hands in an Indian Head Massage can provide relief to emotional and physical stress. The closeness of another human being can often promote feelings of acceptance, increased self-esteem and comfort to the person receiving the massage.
Please make sure to choose an experienced head massage therapist you feel comfortable with. Inform them of areas of discomfort, and talk openly about your stress and the potential causes for it.
Originally published on Jun 16, 2010
