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The antidote to the stress response is the relaxation
response, which is triggered by the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system. This response sends messages to
the body to relax, slow down and take a deep breath - it's time for rest and healing.
There are a number of
ways to promote this response, such as exercise, meditation, listening to calming music, guided visualization, biofeedback,
massage, yoga, gardening, fishing – almost anything that puts you in the moment.
Massage,
for instance, takes place in a comfortable, safe environment, away from the source of most stressors. Soothing touch stimulates
your body’s relaxation response - muscular tension is released, circulation is increased and sensory receptors are activated.
Areas that have been "cut off" by accumulated stress can begin to feel once again.
Massage
helps us to tune in to the body and soothes us at the same time. As a result you develop greater body awareness which can
help you to more carefully monitor your responses and needs in the future. Then you can release tension before it becomes
chronic and damaging. Massage is one of the very best ways to heal body and mind at the same time, learn about your
true self, and be more prepared to deal with your life.
2007 © Lisa Henderson, NC-LMBT #4665. This
article not to be copied for commercial use.
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