What type of human contact are you receiving on a day to day basis?

What type of human contact are you receiving on a day to day basis?

By Christine Low Massage Practitioner

In today’s world of “social media”, there are fewer opportunities for people to receive necessary physical human contact. Physical contact like being hugged tells us more about our own body’s state. Are we feeling tired and sore? Touch itself, can be very healing.

Studies have shown that just receiving a hug lowers blood pressure and heart rate!

As a therapist, I have found the majority of people are not aware how much stress and pain their body is holding until they receive a massage and feel it themselves. In situations where there is a constant state of stress, our physical bodies “turn off” their sensory receptors, and what occurs is a disconnect from our true state. Hence, we are literally unaware of how much tightness, pain, and discomfort our bodies are experiencing until we are massaged.

Common Conditions linked to Stress held in our bodies:

• Pain and Tension
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Sickness
• Fatigue
• Joint stiffness
• Digestion problems

Some of us need guidance and support to fully tap into our physical body and connect it to our highest potential and healing ability. I have found that the majority of my clients complain of discomfort or pain in one area but after a proper assessment, we find that their main problem area actually stems from a totally different part of their body. For example, tightness in the chest may be more related to poor posture and way too many hours at the computer; resulting a rotating of shoulders forward and thus shortening the chest muscles. Pain usually results in the neck, back, and shoulders, as the body tries to compensate for this poor postural alignment.This ultimately has a ripple effect on your whole body, and throws off its natural state. This is why consistent care is necessary to prevent pain, stiffness, and immobility throughout your body. It is crucial to our well-being to receive physical healing touch, and be able to “feel” our emotional state and the levels of stress our body is experiencing. Only then, can we begin to move in a healthier direction for our body and our spirit.

Massage relieves anxiety and depression, lowering cortisol levels  or “Stress Hormone” by up to 50%, and increasing levels of neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.

  Massage and body work is an essential way to bring balance and awareness to our lives! Embrace and love your body!!

Christine Low, Massage Practitioner