Massage Therapy: Physical and Psychological Effects on Stress and Pain
Stress
Stress can have many triggers and many different effects on people. In our modern world, people are often under daily pressure to achieve increasing numbers of tasks in shorter periods of time.
Stress may contribute to lowered immunity and can be a significant factor in the development of symptoms of both physical and mental illness.
One common physical symptom of stress is muscle tension. This often results in pain such as headaches, backache and a sore neck.
Common psychological symptoms of stress are depression, anxiety, or general difficulty coping with everyday tasks.
Stress can also increase the severity of existing health complaints such as problems with digestion, period pain, and asthma.
Often, the physical symptoms of stress themselves can lead to further feelings of stress, which can result in a vicious cycle. This cycle can put people at risk of serious health problems such as stomach ulcers or severe anxiety and depression.
By treating the physical symptoms of stress, your Massage Therapist can help reduce muscle tension and pain. This allows you to feel physically more comfortable and can help make things seem easier to cope with. Massage Therapy can also make sure that the systems of the body (eg: digestive/ respiratory/ circulatory), are all working efficiently and effectively to help reduce other symptoms that may be caused or aggravated by stress
Massage Therapy can also have a profound effect on the mind. It can help to improve the circulation of “feel good” hormones around the body, affecting the way you think and feel. This can help to promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.
Soothing touch encourages a natural and positive psychological response. A mother comforting a crying child by gently rubbing its head would be an example of this.
Massage Therapy can help to soothe your stress away.
Pain
Pain relief can be brought about by a reduction in muscle tension.
The following types of pain can be treated by your Massage Therapist by reducing muscle tension in muscle groups surrounding/ connected to the area of pain:
Headache
Backache
Period Pain
Muscle Strain
Some types of Arthritis
Some other types of pain may also by reduce by massage therapy:
Cramps can be reduced by reducing the involuntary contraction of muscles.
Abdominal pain caused by digestive problems may be reduced by improving the efficiency of the digestive system.
Sinus pain can be reduced by encouraging the drainage of fluid from the face, thus reducing pressure build up.
In cases of severe pain and discomfort, the area may be too painful to allow your Massage Therapist to touch the affected area. In such cases, you must discuss this with your massage therapist, who may advise you to consult your doctor.
daveclark
Depression Part II – Causes and Symptoms of Depression
As we mentioned in previous articles depression is a normal response as part of our daily lives such as a loss of job,the death of a love one, and illness. Over 30 million Americans suffer from depression and the amount is increasing in an alarming rate. Depression may be a mental health disorder that can affect the way you eat, sleep, and the way you feel about yourself. In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of depression.
I. Causes
a) Hormone imbalance
About 60% of people suffering from physical depression have abnormal levels of thyroid or adrenal hormones causing impaired thinking and making it difficult to carry out daily activity. If the thyroid hormone is in low levels we have hypothyroidism resulting in weight gain, fatigue and loss of appetite. If the thyroid hormone is in high levels we hyperthyroidism resulting in hand trembling, weakness, anxiety and nervousness
On the other hand, if adrenal hormone is in low levels symptoms may include stress, and weakness. If the adrenal hormone is in high level symptoms include weight gain, and diabetes.
b) Immune disorder
Immune system disorder causes concentration difficulty, lowered mood, memory loss, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
c) Nutritional deficiency
Too much Omega fatty 6 and deficiency of Omega acid 3 causes memory loss, mood swings and depression. On the other hand deficiency of vitamin B12, chromium, selenium or magnesium causes anxiety and depression as well as mood swings.
d) Sleeping disorder
If sleeping disorder is serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning such as fatigue, poor concentration, low mood and other symptoms of depression.
c) Effect of medication taken
Many medications cause symptoms of depression as a side effect such as low mood and anxiety as a result of taking heart and hypertension medication.
II. Symptoms
a) Loss of interest and energy in life
b) Change of sleeping and eating habits
c) Can not concentrate
d) Lowered self esteem
e) Deep sadness and hopeless
f) Thought of suicide and death
I hope this information will help. If you want to more information of the above subject, you can follow my series of articles and visit my home page at:
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
or http://depressioni.blogspot.com
http://depressioniiblogspot.com
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact.
Kyle J. Norton
Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Because a lot of people today do not like taking medications for their disorders, they often opt for alternate medication for their anxiety. This includes aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal supplements and meditation. These will work well if the anxiety is not severe and there is no severe underlying depression that is causing the anxiety or panic disorder.
We all get anxious once in a while – we wouldn’t be human if we did not have some anxiety in our lives. But some people have extreme anxiety while others have mild anxiety. The difference would be someone who suffered frequent anxiety attacks caused by an underlying condition such as obsessive compulsive disorder or panic disorder. These conditions cannot be mixed with those who suffer from anxiety over taking a math test.
In cases where the anxiety is not as severe to the point where it is stopping someone from doing their every day business, they may try alternate means of treatment before they resort to medications. Some of the alternate means of treatment include:
Herbal supplements
Kava , St. John’s Wort, Valerian and Sam-e are all herbal remedies that have been known to quell minor anxiety and depression. Kava has a very calming effect and can be taken a few days a week to help with minor anxiety. St. John’s Wort is better in treating depression, that often accompanies anxiety. Valerian and Sam-e of the newest herbal supplements that have shown promise in helping with anxiety attacks. However, you should not take these supplements along with prescription remedies and if you find that they are not helping you, you should talk to your doctor about another option. These herbal supplements are made for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression and not for those with severe disorders.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the anxiety healing art of inhaling infused oils that will get into your bloodstream and cure whatever ails you. Aromatherapy can also be used when mixed with other oils as a massage oil. Many people swear by this type of treatment in that it does them wonders. Again, this type of alternative therapy is made for those who have mild to moderate forms of anxiety or depression.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a way that some people use to rid themselves of all sorts of problems, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can help heal aches, pains and even headaches. Some people who suffer from depression or anxiety swear by this healing method which has its roots in ancient China.
Meditation
Meditation is yet another way that you can help yourself overcome your anxiety attacks. Meditation is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often associated with Hinduism or Buddhism. But it is also very good for finding peace of mind when you are trying to relax. You can take a class in meditation or you can watch a DVD to learn how to master this ancient eastern practice.
Joe Golson
5 Herbs That Can Help Relieve Symptoms Of Depression
If you feel that you want as joyful as you should be in your emotions are getting the best of you then you might feel relieved to know that there are many herbal and natural remedies that can help alleviate your symptoms and restore you to the positive person you should be. if you are feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression, you might want to talk to your doctor first before trying any of these herbs especially if you are on other medications is sometimes it can be interactions.
Here are five herbs that may help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety:
Ginkgo Biloba
This herb is long been known as a brain contact that increases blood flow to the brain and regulates the neurotransmitters inside the brain. If you thought the effects of this herb were just folklore, think again because they were than 300 studies done on this herb which show it’s beneficial effects.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng has been a component in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries but recent studies show that taking it can significantly Improve memory as well as concentration. It is a common ingredient in many herbal remedies used for treating depression. Siberian ginseng can help balance the ephinephrine, norephinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain which can help level your mood. It is also considered to be an adaptogen that can help you cope with stress.
Valerian
this powerful orb can help fill the nervous system and is considered to be one of the most effective herbs for treating anxiety and depression. The reason why it is so in successful is that it affects the production of one of the neurotransmitters that plays a key role in the physiology of anxiety.
SAM-e
clinical studies show that SAM-e has great promise and consistently relieving symptoms of depression. It works similar to the way that antidepressant drugs to as it helps to regulate the various neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. These neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, melatonin and adrenaline can have a large effect on moods. if your body does not have enough SAM-e then the process that regulates these neurotransmitters is compromised. In addition to SAM-e, not having enough the vitamins can affect this as well.
5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan.
5-HTP is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between trytophan and serotonin. 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels which help regulate brain activity that has to do with the persons emotional wellness as well as their cycles of sleeping and waking.
Herbs are being used more and more by the medical community to help treat depression and anxiety and there are more studies being done every day. Scientific research shows that these natural remedies can have a powerful impact on your emotional well-being and brain function
Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/5-herbs-that-can-help-relieve-symptoms-of-depression-96737.html
Rapid Stress Relief and Stress Treatment Through Self-hypnosis
Stress is the label we apply when we place too much pressure on ourselves
It is such a far reaching condition that its effects are thought to be felt in practically every kind of illness, every kind of disease.
Yet so few of us really have an effective stress management strategy in place in order to bring about the essential stress relief that we need.
A certain amount of stress, of course, can be beneficial. In small to moderate amounts, it really doesn’t hurt and, indeed, may be necessary in order to motivate us into getting things done and prodding us into performing at our very best.
But when stress takes on too much of a driving, overpowering role, it can exact a real toll and have truly damaging effects on both our mental and physical health.
Such, unfortunately, is the case in many industrialised countries such as the UK, the US, Canada and Australia today, where the most common mental health issues are anxiety and depression and in which stress plays a major underlying role.
At work, stress can turn us into jittery, anxious and resentful workers, unable to function as we really should; while at home, stress can provoke marital conflict and problems with children.
Often, we are able to notice the signs of stress in others much easier than we can in ourselves.
Yet few of us truly know how to manage stress — even if we are fully aware we suffer from it. We simply lack the stress management and stress relief strategies for dealing with and releasing it.
And so alcohol, drugs, tranquillizers and anti-depressants are regularly turned to in an attempt to escape from and cope with the often devastating and frequently incapacitating effects of stress. But such attempted remedies are far from being effective stress treatment; they are temporary at best and short sighted at worst.
Usually however, they merely serve to worsen and aggravate an already inflamed situation.
Yet there are other ways to deal with and manage stress that are really effective and far from harmful. Meditation, yoga, good nutrition and exercise are all classical and effective methods of stress busting. (In fact, we recommend that everyone engages in some form of regular exercise.)
But for sheer effectiveness and rapidity of results, few things can match the power of self-hypnosis for stress management and stress treatment.
This is because in hypnosis you can experience a state of being that is so far removed from stress that it has sometimes been referred to as ‘a state of grace’.
Indeed, self-hypnosis offers a method of completely releasing stress, providing a valuable way – through post-hypnotic suggestion – to manage stress and anxiety. When done correctly, it can provide potent and ongoing stress relief and stress treatment that lasts far beyond the actual sessions of self-hypnosis.
And the amazing thing is that practising self-hypnosis needn’t take forever.
Here in the UK, we teach people how to enter a deep trance state in a matter of seconds. Remaining in this wonderful, calm state of hypnosis for a few short minutes, they are able to let go of and free themselves from the harmful and potentially devastating effects of stress.
But learning self-hypnosis from a hypnotherapist is certainly not the only way. True, this is the easiest, most rapid and effective method of mastering the art of self-hypnosis since, correctly done, it is taught while actually in the trance state, but it is not the only way. A visit to your local book shop will produce a selection of good books that will take you through the process step by step.
One thing is sure: time invested in learning and practising self-hypnosis pays very real dividends in the area of real stress management and stress relief. It is an extremely potent method that enables you to manage stress and is perhaps the most effective stress treatment there is.
If stress is something you find yourself struggling with on a regular basis, self- hypnosis – together with good nutrition and moderate exercise – is the very best stress management and stress relief tool you could use.
Peter James Field
The Connection Of Anxiety And Depression
Often we are quick to label the feelings that we have on a daily basis; someone who is feeling sad may say they are feeling depressed; someone who is worried about a particular incident may describe it by saying they are having an anxiety attack. These words have become the vernacular of a generation; so much so, in some cases, that we have a difficult time recognizing and defining what symptoms could really be related to clinical conditions. There are many people who experience anxiety in a severe and persistent basis; and others who would be diagnosed as experiencing depression. But what most people don’t realize is that anxiety and depression are connected more often than not.
Depression differs from periods of sadness because of its intensity and frequency. Depression is often a persistent state of melancholy that colors activities of daily life. It can be triggered by many events or environmental factors – or by nothing at all. In some cases heredity or changes in the physical body can be the greatest cause of depression. In either case, the feelings associated with depression are often the same.
Sufferers report feelings of intense sadness, apathy, irritability, and negativity. There are also physical symptoms that those who are depressed report experiencing including stomach problems, insomnia or constant fatigue, lack of appetite, headache, nausea, and general pain throughout the body. In some cases the feelings are so powerful that they render the sufferer incapable of going about normal activities.
Anxiety is defined by persistent and severe feelings of panic and fear – either in a general sense or in response to a particular event or situation. Anxiety is considered to be an umbrella term under which different kinds of anxiety fall including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety, like depression, can manifest itself through physical symptoms such as difficulties in breathing, increased heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, and more.
Anxiety and depression can easily be co-occurring – meaning that they occur together with their own separate and independent symptoms; or comorbid – meaning they occur together and their symptoms overlap. Researchers have even studied the existence of anxiety and depression together and found that over half of the people who experience major depression also experience severe and persistent anxiety.
The connection is so prevalent between anxiety and depression that clinicians have developed terms that can help them diagnosis their patients who are presenting with a myriad of symptoms. For instance, agitated depression refers to a depressive state that actually presents as anxiety including feelings of general panic and fear. Akathitic depression is a depressive state that also presents as anxiety but does not include feelings of panic.
In addition, it has been found that ongoing feelings of anxiety can actually trigger depression. And doctors have noticed that where there’s smoke there is often fire. Persistent feelings of panic and apprehension can cause sufferers to experience mild to severe depression. Researchers are still studying the links between anxiety and depression and their commingling effect on each other.
What is clear, however, is that anxiety and depression can be managed and treated through a variety of therapies and medication that have found great success in the marketplace. Often when the overall feeling of anxiety is removed, the depression will lift as well. If you are experiencing any feelings of anxiety and depression it is important to immediately see your doctor so an appropriate treatment plan can be put into motion.
J. Lloyd
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-connection-of-anxiety-and-depression-126784.html
Coping With Your Persistent Fears
Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in dealing with it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.
When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, the first thing you can do is to divide the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.
A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.
Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your
Stanley Popovich
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/coping-with-your-persistent-fears-60172.html
Use The Help Of God To Deal With Your Anxieties
Sometimes, your fears may overwhelm you to the point that you feel like giving up. When this happens, the next step is to put your faith in God. Using the help of God can make a big difference in overcoming your fears, anxieties, and depression.
The one source that a person should use as a basis in managing their fears and anxieties is using God as a basis in dealing with their fears. The power of God is the one power that is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Also, God loves each one of us and he is the one person who has the power to solve all of our problems. He will help you if you ask him to.
Start talking and praying to God. A person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and ask God for some of his help. A person could also review the Bible and read some articles on trusting in God and then apply these concepts in their life. Each and every day, a person should make it up a habit to talk to God and ask for his help.
In addition, learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression. There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with others who may be able to help you. Education is the key in finding the answers your looking for in managing your fears.
Think positive. A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you feel fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what does not work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a walk to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about our stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can not only make us feel better, but they might be able to give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Getting help from a professional will make this entire process easier and will increase your chances of success.
Remember that God is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.
Stanley Popovich
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/use-the-help-of-god-to-deal-with-your-anxieties-66928.html
Use Your Faith In God In Dealing With Your Stresses And Depression
Sometimes, your stresses and anxieties will get so bad that you feel like giving up. When this happens, the next step is to put your faith in God. Using the help of God can make a big difference in overcoming your fears, anxieties, and depression.
The one source that a person should use as a basis in managing their fears and anxieties is using God as a basis in dealing with their fears. The power of God is the one power that is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Also, God loves each one of us and he is the one person who has the power to solve all of our problems. He will help you if you ask him to.
Start talking and praying to God. A person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and ask God for some of his help. A person could also review the Bible and read some articles on trusting in God and then apply these concepts in their life. Each and every day, a person should make it up a habit to talk to God and ask for his help.
In addition, learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression. There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with others who may be able to help you. Education is the key in finding the answers your looking for in managing your fears.
Think positive. A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you feel fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what does not work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a walk to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about our stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can not only make us feel better, but they might be able to give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Getting help from a professional will make this entire process easier and will increase your chances of success.
Remember that God is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.
Stanley Popovich
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/use-your-faith-in-god-in-dealing-with-your-stresses-and-depression-51760.html
Trust In God In Managing Your Fears
Sometimes, your fears may overwhelm you to the point that you feel like giving up. When this happens, the next step is to put your faith in God. Using the help of God can make a big difference in overcoming your fears, anxieties, and depression.
The one source that a person should use as a basis in managing their fears and anxieties is using God as a basis in dealing with their fears. The power of God is the one power that is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Also, God loves each one of us and he is the one person who has the power to solve all of our problems. He will help you if you ask him to.
Start talking and praying to God. A person can go to church or to a quiet place during the day to tell God that they are having a problem. They should tell God how they feel and ask God for some of his help. A person could also review the Bible and read some articles on trusting in God and then apply these concepts in their life. Each and every day, a person should make it up a habit to talk to God and ask for his help.
In addition, learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression. There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with others who may be able to help you. Education is the key in finding the answers your looking for in managing your fears.
Think positive. A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you feel fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what does not work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a walk to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about our stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can not only make us feel better, but they might be able to give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. Getting help from a professional will make this entire process easier and will increase your chances of success.
Remember that God is stronger than your fears and anxieties. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.
Stanley Popovich
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/trust-in-god-in-managing-your-fears-64117.html
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