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Nearly 10% of all people are affected by anxiety disorders. It is basically a stress disorder. Anxiety includes panic attacks, phobias, etc and these describe distension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry. In most cases the sources is unknown. Symptoms of anxiety can include short breath, rapid pulse, chest pain, headaches, cold sweat, and fainting. Abdominal pain is also possible.
So what can massage do for anxiety? Massage provides a great way to take a break. Massage helps to lower muscle tension, increases breathing volume, and lowest levels of cortisone, which is considered as a stress hormone.
Massage can help to improve our immune system and has been stated that massage can help to reduce the intake of anti-anxiety medicine. There are three simple things that worked for me in case of a panic attack simple hand contact with the person can help alleviate the feeling, simply hold the ankles with the broad and solid contact. You can do the same by holding the wrist, have broad contact on the chest, the belly or even on the head. I like to hold the ankles best because it seems to have the most grounding effect.
We deal with stress in our heads and this creates a lot of tension there. Headaches are often times the result, so a head massage with warm oil or relaxing scalp massage can work well. It is also possible to influence the mood of a person through of a relaxing belly massage.
In my experience, simple belly rubs can help with butterflies and stress before a test in school or a job interview. Most of the time you will find also postural changes due to chronic anxiety. These changes symbolize for me the desired to protect from whatever that puts us in anxiety. Examples are a hunchback with forward shoulder which is actually a collapse chest to protect our heart and lung. Or strap shoulders to protect our neck.
Massage has to be applied regularly to have a positive effect so do not expect one hit wonders. It has to be combined with a balance diet just stay away from nicotine, coffee, or recreational drugs. Try to learn relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation and have a regular exercise program. Having enough sleep is also very important; because they are many things that could cause anxiety. You should definitely seek the advice from a mental health professional if you think that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder.
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