Stress Management With Body Work

Bodywork is a generalized term used to describe a number of natural approaches to stress management. Bodywork has its place in alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine practices and beliefs. In the broadest scope of the term bodyworks can be any therapeutic benefit to the body.

Bodyworks have roots in both modern and ancient healing and in many different cultures or civilizations. It may involve energy, touch, or even sound therapies. When dealing with stress management there are several approaches that can be taken.

Just as stress affects people differently, so do the methods for reducing, preventing and otherwise managing stress. Many find one or more methods or bodywork techniques helpful.

While these approaches cannot remove stress completely from ones life, they may help with relaxation and to relieve some of the symptoms of chronic stress or to help alleviate some of the pain or discomfort that comes along with stress related or induced disorders.

Some of the most common symptoms of chronic stress and tension in the body and many of the reason that people seek treatment and help with stress management are headaches, body aches, tension, or tightness in the back, neck and shoulders, insomnia, digestive problems, and emotional or behavioral issues like anxiety, anger, irritability, indecisiveness, depression and sexual dysfunction.

Some common modes, or forms of bodywork used in natural approaches to stress management include:

Acupuncture A traditional Chinese medical technique that uses needles inserted at specific areas of the body Acupressure-also a Chinese medical technique that uses the same principles of acupuncture but rather uses touch therapy of the fingers instead of the needles.

Biodynamic Can be more than one source of bodywork used under the premise that one can be healed through life force

CranioSacral Therapy A biodynamic approach used by chiropractors, naturopaths, massage therapists and osteopaths it is the manual application of subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones to bring the central nervous system into balance.

Chiropractic Treatment approaches may vary but at the minimal involve physical manipulation of the spine.   

Today's Stress Cure Fact Workplace Stress The human body can adequately experience stress and react to it. Stress can be a positive thing, however too much stress or prolonged stress has negative effects on the body. Acute stress is the body's reaction to an immediate threat, whether it be real or perceived. This reaction is often referred to as the fight or flight response. Stressors such as physical or emotional trauma, or environmental factors such as noise, light and crowds can cause acute stress. These and other stressors activate the part of the brain called the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This triggers the production and release of steroid hormones, particularly the primary stress hormone cortisol. coping with stress

Stress Fighting Foods

Massage There are several different forms or techniques of massage. Massage is the practice of applying pressure, tension, motion, or vibration, either manually or with mechanical aids to the soft tissues of the body Rolfing-sometimes referred to as postural release or structural integration is a technique that involves soft tissue manipulation so that the body is aligned properly and in harmony with gravity. 

Reiki Japanese technique similar to laying on of hands that channels energy and is performed by a practitioner keeping hands close to or on the body.

Tai Chi Is a Chinese form of martial arts but is often used as an exercise of the body to relieve tension by using leverage through the joints based on coordination.  

Ever considered having a monthly massage, or maybe a reflexology therapy session. This can be doubly beneficial because you will feel a lot better when someone is pampering you, as well as the therapeutic benefits you gain when your muscles release tension.

These are just a few of the most commonly known and widely practiced bodywork approaches to stress management. There are other methods and modes available as well. These and other methods may be used separately, alone or together with other methods as well to achieve desired results.

Natural Stress Cures for Today

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)

08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.

Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)

08/23/2008
Leave a comment (Stuff)
Alternative medicine: Cure or comfort? Kathleen McMahon swears by chiropracty. "I come out and I want to dance. You want to jump for joy because everything feels in line."

Leave a comment (Stuff)

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)

08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.

I can't stop sweating (Times Online)

08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.

Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)

08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.

I can't stop sweating (Times Online)

08/02/2008
I can't stop sweating (Times Online)
Philippa Nightingale dreads meeting new people. She's an amusing, articulate, friendly 36-year-old, but her body is clammy with sweat most of the time. Sometimes her hands drip. Shaking hands is a trial, she says, and causes people to pull back from her.

I can't stop sweating (Times Online)