Divorce is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. It takes a toll on your mind and body because of all the stress and anxiety involved.
There is fear of the unknown. It is hard to transition from being married to being single. As such, the body may respond in ways such as faster breathing, increase heart rate, dilated pupils, flushed face, and dry mouth. Stress can also lead to headaches, insomnia, back and neck pain, and tension in the shoulders.
These are all signs of anxiety, and while being anxious can be frustrating, you need to do something to ward off these effects. That is where massage comes in. Massage can bring about physical and mental benefits. Regular massages can help improve your health and well-being.
Never tried massage? You are missing out on a relaxing experience. Do not underestimate the power of touch. Touching releases oxytocin, which alleviates pain. Read on to learn more about why massage is good for and the various types available.
What is Massage Good for?
Massage can help with a variety of ailments. Besides anxiety and depression, it can also help with medical issues such as:
- Digestive disorders
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Nerve pain
- Temporomandibular joint pain, or jaw pain
- Sports injuries
There are many reasons why you should consider massage during and after divorce. Here is a look at some of them in more detail.
Reduce Stress
Divorce causes a lot of stress. There are finances to worry about, as well as child custody, child support, property division, and life changes in general. Stress can take a physical and emotional toll on a person. It can even kill a person, so it is best to reduce stress levels and keep them as low as possible.
Stress can cause you to scrunch your shoulders, clench your jaw, and carry tension in your muscles. This causes your neck, back, and shoulders to get very tight. This can lead to chronic headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and pain in various parts of your body. Massage therapy can help manage stress and its effects, such as headaches and physical pain.
Increase Immune Function
Massage can be an important part of health and wellness. One thing it can do is boost the body’s immune system. It increases T cells, which help fight off viruses, keeping people physically healthier. Massage has been helpful for cancer patients as well as children of all ages.
Improve Mental Health
Massage therapy can help improve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, which are all associated with mental health. It can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. Massage has also been shown to decrease fatigue, insomnia, and pain in the joints and muscles.
Manage Pain
Pain can negatively affect a person’s quality of life as well as cause mobility issues and make it harder to heal from an injury or illness. Many people use opioids and other medications to manage pain. However, these medications can lead to abuse, addiction, and even a fatal overdose. Massage is a safe and healthy alternative that can help relieve lower back pain and fibromyalgia as well as pain caused by arthritis and cancer.
Improve Physical Fitness
Massage can be helpful for recreational or professional athletes who are in pain. Massage therapy can improve exercise performance, reduce muscle tension, and prevent injuries. It can also help those recovering from joint replacements and surgeries by reducing the need for medications. It can also improve range of motion and reduce inflammation, which can lead to mobility issues.
Types of Massage
There are multiple forms of massage. Each has their own elements, so choose the one that fits your needs. The most common ones are:
- Deep tissue. This type of massage is very deep and intense, as the name implies. It is not ideal for those who are sensitive to pressure, but it helps with deeper knots and muscle tension
- Swedish. Swedish massage is a great way to remove knots from your muscles and relieve tension. However, it uses gentle pressure, so it is peaceful and very relaxing.
- Shiatsu. Shiatsu relies on the use of the fingers, thumbs, and palms to apply pressure to various areas of the body. It is a great massage for deep relaxation and is effective at reducing stress and minor pain. It is also great for eliminating stress headaches as well as reducing anxiety and depression.
- Thai. Thai massage is a little different in that it incorporates stretching. The light stretching involved helps improve flexibility and circulation while increasing energy levels. It is a great massage for those times when your divorce is draining your body and mind.
- Aromatherapy. An aromatherapy massage is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It uses gentle pressure and healing essential oils to reduce stress and anxiety levels while boosting your mood. You will also experience less depression and less muscle tension.
- Hot stone. This type of massage is similar to Swedish massage but uses hot stones to relieve tension and knots. It is also good for increasing blood flow.
Seek Legal Help
Divorce creates a lot of negative emotions, including anxiety. While there are various medications and techniques that can alleviate stress, massage can be extremely helpful in a divorce.
Divorcing? Seek legal advice from Broward County divorce attorney Scott J. Stadler. We will work with you to alleviate your stress and get you a favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation today by calling (954) 398-5712 or filling out the online form.