Understanding Stress & Pressure Points for Relaxation and Well-being

Stress affects the body and mind. Pressure points are used with massage to reduce the physical effects. Some level of stress is beneficial in motivation and endurance. Long-term stress processed by massaging pressure points relaxes contracted muscles that disturb skeletal alignment.

Where is Stress?

• Stress exists in our daily habits of watching television, driving and interacting with co-workers, partners, family or friends. Reducing stress benefits mental health.

Effects

• The reaction to outside stimuli (stress) causes habitual and subconscious contraction of our muscles. This contraction, if not consciously released, leads to misalignment of the bones and joints.

Stress-Reduction Tools

• Massage and pressure-point therapy reduces the body's reaction to stress. Breathing exercises and applied pressure points support the release of contracted muscles.

Massage Schools

• The use of pressure points requires education and practice. Learning can be done through independent study, working with a mentor or enrolling in a massage-certification program.

Trained Therapists

• Learning how to apply pressure points is different for everybody. Work with a therapist.