Anxiety

Massage Therapy for Nurses

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , ,

Nurses suffer from back pain, neck pain, stress, and anxiety on a daily basis. A relaxing massage might just be the trick to rejuvenate and energize a worn-down nurse.

The Stressed-out Nurse:

With demanding schedules and workloads, nurses are under more stress than ever! This work-related stress takes a physical and mental toll in every facet of their lives. According to a 2016 study that examined 120 nurses from a Midwestern Hospital in the United States, they found that “92% of nurses had moderate, high or very high levels of work-related stress”.

This stress may lead to health issues, negative coping behaviors, and poor work performance. All of which can result in workplace burn-out, for dedicated nursing professionals.

The need for nurses is growing much faster than the average for all occupations. The reasoning being, that an increased emphasis is being placed on preventative care, growing rates of chronic conditions (diabetes and obesity), and the increased demand for healthcare services from the baby-boomer population. Baby-boomers are living longer and have much more active lives, than generations of the past.

How can we help our nurses?

If our nurses suffer, so do we! To help, we first must understand what their stress may be doing to their physical and mental health.

Unresolved stress has been shown to have numerous adverse effects on the body. Per the Mayo Clinic “stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts, your feelings, and behavior. Stress can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.”

Common effects of stress on the body:

  • Headache
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Change in sex drive
  • Stomach upset

Common effects of stress on your mood:

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of motivation or focus
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Irritability or anger
  • Sadness or depression

There are many options available to help reduce or manage stress, such as regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, socializing with family and friends, setting aside time for hobbies, reading, or listening to music. Primarily, learning to take time for yourself, reconnecting with yourself, and unplugging from activities that trigger stress.

Massage therapy is another great way to reduce stress. Massage therapy is scheduled relaxation time. It allows the brain, body, and soul to take a break, regroup and revitalize. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) lists the following benefits from getting a massage:

  • Relieve stress
  • Relieve/reduces pain for (postoperative, low-back, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic neck pain, lower joint replacement pain)
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Enhance exercise performance
  • Relieve tension headaches
  • Sleep better
  • Ease symptoms of depression
  • Improve cardiovascular health
  • Decrease stress in cancer patients
  • Improve balance in older adults
  • Temper effects of dementia
  • Promote relaxation
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Increase range of motion
  • Decrease migraine frequency
  • Improve the quality of life
  • Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea

An interesting aspect of massage therapy, is the increased interest by licensed nursing professionals, in also obtaining their massage therapy license. Finding a nurse, which is also trained in massage therapy, provides an asset to the patient and the hospital.

Having a comprehensive educational background in the traditional medical field and combining this knowledge with therapeutic bodywork, allows the nurse massage therapist to aid patients who suffer from a variety of specific medical and physical challenges.

Massage therapy is a benefit to both patient and provider. It is a combination of the nurses’ need to help decrease suffering, effect positive changes in patient health and comfort, and manage stress.

Consider treating yourself, a loved one, a co-worker, or a healthcare provider, with the benefits that massage therapy can provide. It could make a world of difference!

Book Yourself or Your Favorite Nurse a Massage @ Zen Massage

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

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How often should you get a massage for anxiety?

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , , ,

Massages have so many benefits in the life of the individual. The benefits on pain, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular conditions, sports among others make massage something to consider.

Several of our clients have asked, “how often should I get a massage for anxiety?” The answer lies in your answers to the following questions:

  • How available are you for the anxiety massage
  • Do you have enough resources to get the massage regularly
  • How extreme is your anxiety
  • The type of massage therapy preferred
  • Availability of a massage parlor for stress and anxiety near me
  • Availability of qualified massage therapists.

For anxiety, depending on the stressfulness of your situation, it is recommended that you get a massage regularly after a week or two. This means you can get a massage twice, thrice, or four times in a month by a qualified massage therapist.

What are the best massage therapies for anxiety and stress?

Most of the massage types work on pain, stress, and anxiety. However, there are some anxiety types recommended if you have chronic anxiety or have an anxiety disorder.

Some of the best massage therapy for massage include:

  • Shiatsu massage
  • Swedish massage
  • Hot stone massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep tissue massage

These types of massage help in anxiety and work on the different body parts and stimuli for anxiety.

Massage is a good therapy for anxiety. It has been recommended by several senior psychologists and psychiatrists. It is also recommended in several books on anxiety. As one of the founders of anxiety disorder treatments, I always advise my clients to get a massage either by a qualified massage therapist or by the use of massagers.

Massage therapies also work on chronic pain, stress, depression, cardiovascular conditions among other disorders.

Set up an appointment with ZEN Massage in Salt Lake City today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

What is most important for customers/clients to know during Covid-19

First, you must schedule your appointment online before coming to our location (in other words no walk-ins). Book Online or set an appointment over the phone, call ZEN Massage at 801-467-3529.
Second, bring a mask for yourself. You will need to wear it for your full session. 
Third, Your Zen Massage Therapist will also be wearing a mask during sessions.
Fourth, Zen Massage Therapists will make sure appointments are spaced 30 min between each client and will meticulously clean and sanitize everything in between each of our clients. 
Last, If you feel ill please call and cancel your appointment. Thank you.

Massage Relaxation from Anxiety

Amanda Sullivan Alternative medicine, Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , , , ,

Massage has gained popularity in the recent past in the management of emotional disorders like stress, depression, and anxiety disorders. In addition, it also helps you to have quality sleep.

For anxiety, massage offers relaxation and helps to reduce the fears. It is also great in managing other symptoms of anxiety disorders. It also improves attention.

Common types of massage

Swedish massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most widely used type of massage. It involves gentle full body massage best suited for people who are having a massage for the first time.

It is also good for people who have lots of tension in the muscles and also those who are sensitive to touch.

The massage helps the whole body to relax and can also help to cure muscle tightness, hardness, and tenseness. Therefore, it is one of the best massages for relaxation and relieving minor pain.

The Swedish massage uses a combination of the following:

  • Long strokes for a start which flows in the course of the heart
  • Muscle rolling and kneading (Petrissage)
  • Pressure application on sore points
  • Passive joint movement procedures
  • Vibration, shaking and pattering of the muscles
  • Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)

Aromatherapy massage

This is an excellent massage therapy for anxiety and healing other emotional problems. This therapy uses diluted essential oils to offer soft, tender pressure on your body.

It is great in giving you the following:

  • A boost to your moods
  • Reduce anxiety, depression and stress
  • Cure the tense muscles
  • Offer relief from pain

In this massage, most of the time you are given essential oils to inhale in addition to the application on the skin. This is by using an essential oil diffuser. The diffuser disperses natural oils into the air for you to inhale.

It has been proven by several studies that inhaling lavender and other essential oils are effective in treating neurological disorders. These disorders include anxiety disorders, negative moods, sleeping problems, pains, and convulsions/ seizures

Reflexology

Reflexology is the application of pressure to the feet, ears, and hands so that you can relax and reduce stress. It can also restore the natural energy to the normal levels.

Reflexology focuses on the pressure points for people who do not want a full body massage but still want relief from stress and anxiety. In the procedure, the therapist may require you to wear loose clothing so that he/ she can access the feet.

There is a hypothesis that some parts of the feet relate to different organs in the body. From this theory, a massage in an area of the foot, in which a foot chart is used to guide, can lead to relaxation and therapy to the corresponding body organ or system.

Reflexology according to several studies has been shown to alleviate or reduce pain, anxiety, and stress. It has also been shown to facilitate quality sleep. It is also non-intrusive thus can easily be explored for anxiety therapy.

Book Your Zen Massage

If you’re ready to ease your anxiety and want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, contact us and set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today!

Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

What is most important for customers/clients to know during Covid-19

First, you must schedule your appointment online before coming to our location (in other words no walk-ins). Book Online or set an appointment over the phone, call ZEN Massage at 801-467-3529.
Second, bring a mask for yourself. You will need to wear it for your full session. 
Third, Your Zen Massage Therapist will also be wearing a mask during sessions.
Fourth, Zen Massage Therapists will make sure appointments are spaced 30 min between each client and will meticulously clean and sanitize everything in between each of our clients. 
Last, If you feel ill please call and cancel your appointment. Thank you.

Anxiety, Stress & Massage Therapy

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Massage Advantage, Massage Therapy , , , ,

Regular massages can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

According to James Lake, M.D., (a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, works to transform mental health care through the evidence-based uses of alternative therapies.) and his article in Psychology Today, Massage alters EEG activity, increases parasympathetic activity and decreases cortisol levels

His article continues: Massage is widely used in all cultures to evoke feelings of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage are probably related to changes in EEG activity, decreased levels of cortisol, and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts automatically to calm the body and brain during stress. Numerous studies show that moderate pressure massage is more effective than light pressure massage for reducing pain associated with different medical problems including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Moderate pressure massage also improves attention and enhances the body’s immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer cells. Functional brain imaging studies show that changes take place in many areas of the brain involved in regulating emotions and stress response including the amygdala and the hypothalamus. For an excellent review of the research evidence for massage therapy see “Massage Therapy Research Review” by Field (Field 2014).

Challenges to designing studies on massage

It is difficult to examine the beneficial effects of massage therapy using contemporary research methods because it is impossible to design a double-blind study in which the person receiving massage therapy is ‘blinded’ to treatment. Also, the physical and psychological benefits of massage are difficult to quantify in controlled trials. Findings of many studies are limited by the absence of a sham control group i.e., a group treated by someone who poses as a massage therapist but has no training. The situation is further complicated by the fact that few massage therapists are trained in research methods or work in institutional settings where sham-controlled trials can be conducted.

Massage is widely used for anxiety and has a strong record of success

In spite of the paucity of published research evidence, regular massage is a widely used technique in many cultures to treat chronic stress and anxiety and deserves serious consideration. Consistent anecdotal evidence, a long history of widespread use of massage for stress reduction, and positive findings of open trials support the view that regular massage therapy reduces the severity of chronic moderate anxiety in general, and specifically when anxiety is related to test-taking or problem-solving, work stress or the anticipation of invasive medical procedures.

In my own clinical experience working with patients who complain of chronic stress, test-taking stress, and generalized anxiety, regular massage therapy effectively reduces anxiety, improves emotional resilience, and enhances feelings of general well-being in anxious patients.

Few safety issues

Massage is safe when done by a trained therapist, seldom resulting in injuries. However, individuals who have chronic pain disorders or other medical conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system should consult with their physician before receiving regular massage therapy. 

References

Anxiety: The Integrative Mental Health Solution, by James Lake MD http://theintegrativementalhealthsolution.com/anxiety-the-integrative-mental-health-soution.html

Massage Therapy Research Review, Field 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467308/

Original Article Here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/integrative-mental-health-care/201810/massage-therapy-anxiety-and-stress

Ease Anxiety with Massage Therapy

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, seasonal stress, Zen Massage , , , ,

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are unconventional types of products and practices that are being used to treat a variety of medical and mental health conditions.

Over the past several years, CAM practices have grown in popularity and are often used in combination with more traditional medical practices. Some common CAM practices include acupuncture, yoga, and aromatherapy.

Massage therapy is a type of CAM practice that is often used to treat muscle pain, injury, and stiffness. Massage therapy has more recently been used for the treatment of mental and emotional problems, including stress, anxiety, and even depression. Also considered a relaxation technique, massage therapy may be able to help reduce tension and elicit feelings of calm and deep relaxation.

Additionally, massage may be able to curb feelings of fear and anxiety, plus assist in managing other panic disorder symptoms.

Massage Therapy Can Help Ease Anxiety and Panic Disorder Symptoms

Massage therapy can help the body relax, which in turn can help one let go of anxious and fearful thoughts. Massage can relieve muscle pain and tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. As a relaxation technique, massage therapy can work to manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically overactive among people with anxiety disorders.

The fight-or-flight reaction is responsible for causing fearful thoughts and reactions that often far outweigh any actual threat in the environment. For example, people with agoraphobia often fear having a panic attack in a large crowd or confined areas where it would feel embarrassing or difficult to escape.

The fight-or-flight reaction typically leads to uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, accelerated heart rate, excessive sweating, and chest pain. Massage therapy can have an opposing effect on the body by eliciting the relaxation response, reducing tension, lowering heart rate, and generally making a person feel calmer.

Physical Benefits of Massage

  • Less muscle pain and tension
  • Improved circulation and flexibility
  • Lower heart rate

Mental Benefits of Massage

  • Less anxious thoughts
  • Tamed fight-or-flight response
  • Lower tension and more feelings of calm

Getting Started with Massage Therapy

When meeting with your massage therapist for the first time, make sure to discuss your medical history, including your panic and anxiety symptoms.

It is important to schedule these services with a licensed or certified massage therapist. This ensures that you will get treatment from a qualified practitioner who has followed the standards and requirements for their state licensure.

Let the massage therapist know if you have any areas of discomfort throughout your body. Also discuss what you hope to get out of the massage, such as muscle or stress relief. Many people experience some soreness throughout their body the first few days following a massage. However, you should never feel pain or discomfort during or after a massage. Massage is also contraindicated for certain medical conditions. Always consult your doctor before getting a massage if you are unsure if it’s right for you.

Studies have supported the safety and effectiveness of utilizing massage therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression—but if you are experiencing panic attacks and other symptoms of panic disorder, talk to your doctor before trying this and other CAM practices.

Ask your doctor how Massage therapy could be incorporated into your standard treatment plan to assist you in coping with panic disorder.

Zen Massage

Luxury Massage in Salt Lake City, Utah

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Zen Massage

Source: Therapeutic Massage for Anxiety and Panic Disorder

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