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The Bow Acupuncture & Community Wellness
9086 Cypress Green Drive, Suite B
​Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 834-0740
info@bowacupuncture.com

Beyond Just the Physical: Massage for Mental Health - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

10/15/2020

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The Mind-Body Connection
While massage is frequently associated with healing the physical body, there is a growing awareness of its beneficial role in the treatment of psychological distress and mental health disorders. A study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine increased an average of 28% and 31%, respectively after massage. The study further concluded that massage may significantly alleviate depressive symptoms, including lethargy and anxious thoughts.

Massage for Stress Hormone Reduction and a Happier You

Stress, perhaps the greatest contributor to mental health issues today, can create a vicious and complicated cycle of issues that affect both the body and the mind. When the mind is stressed, the body will manifest symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches or immunity issues. And when the body is in pain, the mind becomes distracted by discomfort and consumed by trying to figure out a way to alleviate the pain. Massage can lower the stress of both body and mind by reducing the amount of cortisol in the body as well as addressing pain. 

Clinically Proven
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Research supports that massage can relieve stress in patients with chronic pain, generalized anxiety disorder and healthy adults. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the effects of massage therapy on trait anxiety and depression is nearly the same as those found in the research studies of psychotherapy for those with the same condition. Regular massage has the potential to improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, which produces better sleep and more energy.

Why not schedule a massage and see how it can improve your mental health and stress levels?
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How to Get Lower Body Relief Between Massages - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

9/30/2020

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A simple restorative yoga pose to relax the mind as well as the low back and legs...

Massage Therapists perform a variety of techniques during a session in order to relieve pain, stress and tension in your lower back and legs. But there is also a simple exercise that you can perform at home or at work that can help ease the discomfort when you’re not able to come in for a treatment. 

Viparita Karani, also known as “Legs Up the Wall Pose” is a restorative yoga posture that relieves stress and tension in the lower body and simultaneously allows the mind to relax. All you need to do is find a comfortable place on the floor—grab a pillow, a towel or a blanket if you’d like-- shimmy your hips as close to the wall as possible and walk your feet up until your body is in an L-shaped position. If straightening your legs is uncomfortable, you can keep your knees bent. Another option is to lie on your bed and place your feet up on the wall or the headboard. 
Stay present and focus on your breath or the sensations in your body. As you stay in the position, the muscles in your hamstrings and lower back will begin to relax, which will then help ease tension in the joints, tendons and ligaments of your legs, hips and lumbar spine. Elevating your legs in this pose is also great for circulation, draining any excess fluid from sitting or standing all day and facilitating the return of blood back to the heart. 

Try Viparita Karani after a long day, intense physical activity or whenever you feel you need it. Or you can play some music, burn a candle and make it a daily ritual. Aim for keeping your legs elevated for five minutes when you first start, and work your way up to fifteen if you find it helpful. Please note this exercise is not recommended for anyone with glaucoma, hypertension or a hernia.



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