Stress is defined as a state of anxiety produced when events and responsibilities exceed one’s coping abilities. Stress is attributed to causing 70%-80% of chronic diseases which often causes death.

Stress can be classified as eustress (good type of stress), neustress (neutral stress), and distress (bad kind of stress). It can be caused by a number of different stimuli, but what may stress out one person may be a positive thing for another person.

One of the best ways to cope with stress is taking a holistic approach by balancing the paradigm of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This synchronizes the mind and body back to harmony and the body can function better. Massages are known to be a great treatment to help reduce stress and help both your mind and boy relax.

1.  Don’t eat just before a massage session.  By giving your body a chance to digest before a massage, your body will be more relaxed overall and you’ll be free from gas or indigestion while in the prescense of the therapist.

2.  Be on time.  For one, you’ll want to get the full amount of time you pay for and second, being in a rushed, frenzied state will take you longer to relax to get the full benefits of a relaxed massage.

3.  Be receptive and open with your massage therapist.  Be sure to let the therapist know what you expect from a massage and how things are feeling during the massage.  With that said, don’t feel obligated to have to talk to the massage therapist, you can just relax in silent if you choose.

4.  Try to breath normally, since it facilitates relaxation of the netire body.  If you get a sensitive area massaged, just try to continue to breathe normally.

5.  Drink water after your massage.  Water will hel you “wake up” and get ready to move on with your day!