What is stress?

Stress is such a finicky thing. Mental, physical, emotional- with so many situations, types and causes, no two individuals experience stress the same way. Stress is a hormonal reaction within our bodies that swiftly takes over our ability to react often leaving us feeling drained, cold, and exhausted.

When a threat is perceived, our brains are triggered, and our bodies kick into fight or flight mode by releasing adrenaline which causes:

  • Heart beat increases to pump blood to all of the necessary tissues with greater speed
  • Heart rate increase causes a rise in blood pressure
  • Breathing becomes rapid and shallowstress-391657_1280
  • Adrenaline hormones are released from the adrenal gland
  • Liver releases stored sugar to meet the increased need for energy
  • Pupils dilate and senses become heightened
  • Muscles tense for movement
  • Blood flow is restricted from the digestive tract
  • Blood flow is increased to the brain and major muscles
  • Blood flow is constricted from the extremities
  • Body perspires to cool itself

In our day to day lives, when we live in a constant state of stress, with the constant release of hormones our bodies don’t have time to go into cool down. Chronic Stress causes our bodies to not be able to reset the hormone levels to a normal. Having our hormones at continued increased levels causes our muscles to stay in an increased tense state, which can lead to head-aches, back pain, hip discomfort, and issues with our feet, ankles, knees and legs. Over the next few weeks, we will look at the different ways that massage can help to reduce stress, and the effects that it has on our bodies.

Do you find yourself in an increased state of stress, and suffering from constant headaches, or persistent back pain? Call (270) 783-4500 and schedule a massage with Liz, our licensed massage therapist, and see the benefits massage can offer in battling stress and stress related issues.

Feel better, Faster, For Good!