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Posted on: January 12, 2016

Stress is hard for anyone to avoid entirely. Most people's jobs and families are, at some point, a source of stress. Calming the stress response becomes important for both physical and mental health. Chronic stress affects more than just the mind, it also weakens the immune system and exacerbates stress-related health issues such as migraines and IBS. One great way to alleviate stress is found in massage therapy. The following is a list of techniques a massage therapist can use to further their clients' relaxation and calm the stress response.

Relax The Muscles

Stress causes the muscles to tense up, which can lead to any number of stress-related issues such as headaches or back pain. Massage therapy helps relax muscles and calm the stress response. The areas most prone to muscle tension include the neck, back, shoulders and head. By focusing the massage on these areas, therapists can help clients where they need it most.

Musical Relaxation

Playing soothing, soft music during massage therapy is a great way to calm the stress response. Ambient spa music with or without nature sounds helps people relax and forget about their stress.

Hand Massage

A simple hand massage can immediately alleviate stress and can be done right away by the massage therapist to help clients relax before the rest of the therapy. Hand massages also help get rid of anxious or angry feelings such as clients having to sit through traffic on the way to the spa.

Encourage Meditation

Meditation is another great way to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. A massage therapist can continue to help clients even away from the spa by encouraging healthy living, eating and daily habits like meditation.

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