Stress: that feeling you get when you feel like pulling your hair out or knocking the stuffing out of a punching bag. Many of us have the impression that stress is always related to some negative aspect in our lives. We are working too hard. We are worrying too much about some problem. We are eating too much of the wrong foods, and exercising too little-compounding our stress levels. But why does stress have a negative impact on our lives? And more importantly, can we add any remedies to our daily schedules, to reduce our stress levels?



The story of stress

We read about, hear about, and experience stress in our day-to-day lives. But is stress about more than being tired? In fact, stress actually involves our overall response to the pressure and requirements of our environment. Though stress is not new, experts first examined it during the 1950s. Today, experts debate about whether stress in humans should be defined as our external (i.e. physical) or internal (mental) responses to "stressors"-the things that cause stress.

However, some aspects of stress are consistent. When our ability to adapt to our environment is pushed to the limit and when our welfare is vulnerable, we are experiencing stress. Is everyone equally vulnerable? In truth, several factors (i.e. age, attitudes) can influence how stressed we become. Also, the way that we deal with stress is related to different factors, such as our general strength, overall health, and personal character.

Reading the signs of stress

What are the warning signs of stress? In fact, stress can influence our bodies, minds, emotions, and behavior. Backaches, insomnia, and increased heart beat are some of the physical signs of stress. If we have problems with memory, anxiety, and difficulty in focusing, we could be experiencing the mental effects of stress. Meanwhile, hot tempers, moodiness, and feelings of isolation can be emotional warning signs that stress has become a problem. Finally, grinding our teeth, using vices to relax, or eating too little or too much-are all behaviors that can point to stress.

While we can effectively deal with stress in several ways, one of the most efficient methods is through massage, including those with massage stones. By applying different amounts of pressure to the skin and muscles, stress begins to melt away. But how exactly does a massage reduce stress?

The war against stress

Here is how it works. Our skin contains lots of nerve endings, which are activated during a massage. When we experience a mild massage with massage stones, endorphins are released. What are they? Endorphins are the "feel good" chemicals in our bodies, which help us to feel comfortable and healthy. The endorphins help to reduce pain and eliminate the amounts of chemicals in our bodies that produce stress (i.e. noradrenaline and cortisol). As a result, several negative effects of stress are reversed. Blood pressure is decreased, while respiration, metabolism and our heart rate is slowed.

When we receive a firmer healing stones massage, other positive results occur. For example, our mobility and flexibility are improved, while stiff muscles and joints are loosened. Also, our blood circulation increases. That is a good thing, as the tissues in our body receive more nutrients and oxygen. As equally important as what we gain, is what we lose. Our lymphatic system becomes more efficient in removing waste products.

Modern society has caused our lives to become busier, faster, and more stressful. Reducing stress in our lives has become more important than ever, to boost our health and lengthen our lives. Fortunately, tactics such as massages with massage stones can start to reverse the damaging effects that stress creates in our bodies. It is the perfect stress-buster!