Stress and Bodywork


The number one symptom of stress is muscle tension. Muscle tension doesn’t put people in the hospital (what does tends to be problems with the GI tract since it is so heavily innervated with nerves—resulting in problems ranging from IBS to Crones Disease and many more). Over time tense muscles will effect everything from posture to hip placement causing severe chronic pain. As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this case, an ounce is a massage. What was once considered to be a luxury for the rich is now a necessity for the common citizen. Regardless of how great your workstation ergonomics are, bodywork in the form of massage, Rolfing, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu or scores of other bodywork modalities should be a requirement for reducing one’s stress levels and ultimately one’s optimal health. Working out the knots in the neck, shoulder and back muscles is a godsend and great prevention for musculo-skeletal problems down the road.

• Stress Tip for the Day:
While preparing for the Hood To Coast relay race last year, I arranged for our entire team to get a sports massage. I was a bit surprised to realize how many guys on our team had NEVER had a massage. Typically the cost of a massage is about $60/hour give or take some depending on your locale. If you have never had a massage, now’s the time, and if you haven’t had a massage in a long time, now’s the time as well. What kind of massage is best? That depends. Some people like deep tissue, others want a gentle massage. Some people want a full body massage (90 minutes) rather than the 60 min sessions. You decide. How do you find a good massage therapist. The same way you would find a dentist or optometrist—Ask your friends or colleagues, get several recommendations… do some homework! And… if you like, bring your own relaxing music for your massage.

• Links Worth Noting:
A new movie is release today called Food, Inc. and I have placed a link to the trailer below. Having taught nutrition for over 10 years at the University of Colorado I can tell you that this movie should be required by everyone in the country. Knowledge is power. Time to empower yourself.
In tandem with this movie I would like to recommend a new book that has just come out called, THE END OF FOOD by Paul Roberts. Both of these offer a sobering look at our (pathetic) food industry.

• Photo of the Day:
As a board member for my local hospital, I asked the Complementary Medicine Staff if I could do a photo shoot for an upcoming presentation. Many thanks to the staff who were so cooperative.

• Quote for the Day: “ I cannot and should not be cured of my stress, but merely taught to enjoy it.”
— Hans Selye, M.D.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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