Recent UK national statistics show that over half a million individuals in Britain are suffering from stress, and the number is rising monthly. Pill-popping and time off work are at all-time highs, but there are many other proven, far better ways to deal with stress.
As well as obvious things like getting enough sleep, having a good diet and taking exercise, these days there are many complementary treatments known to help. Massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy…the list goes on, but with many people now working in this area with only the skimpiest of experience and qualifications, it can be difficult to find the true professionals.
The importance of counteracting stress due to the physical diseases it can cause is vital. The most common manifestation of stress is muscle pain. The most common? Tense neck and shoulder muscles which leads to stiffness, headaches and… you guessed it… even more stress.
Physiotherapy
Put simply, when overused, muscles lose their ability to understand how to relax (they become ‘hypertonic’). As a result, they become overly tight and harbour myofascial trigger points. These cause stress on the muscles that oppose them and the joints that they cross. The result is that ouch feeling – a locked muscle. Once you’re at this stage, you’re in pain. Once you’re like that a Chartered Physiotherapist is a good first step to take.
To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area (in the UK), log onto the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists website and click on the physio2u link.
Massage
Even if you don’t (yet) suffer from physical pain through stress, there’s a lot to be said for having a regular massage. It helps to relax the mind, body and spirit, provide time and space for ‘just you’ , and leaves you with a feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing. It allows the nervous system to normalize itself, and can reduce many stress-related conditions, such as palpitations, negative emotional feelings and raised blood pressure. To find a good masseuse, a useful starting point is the Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a bona fide place in stress relief. Essential oils are inhaled and used in massage to re-balance the mind and body. If you’re suffering from hypertension be sure to find a fully qualified aromatherapist, not just a masseuse who has done it as part of a beauty course. These days there are University degrees in the subject. Log onto the British Aromatherapy Council website to find a qualified professional.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help stress enormously. It's easy to learn more online about how this Far Eastern technique can re-balance your body. This site will also link you with a qualified Acupuncture professional.
How can you tell if you’re stressed?
Recognised stress symptoms include:
- Feeling tense, nervous or tired
- Headaches due to muscle tension in the neck and scalp
- Migraines
- Palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness and chest pains, usually due to muscle spasms
- Nausea, stomach pain, upset tummy and diarrhoea (often resulting in Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Anxiety or depressive thoughts
If your symptoms are mild and you otherwise feel well, see if they settle when the stress lessens. You may still want to visit your doctor to be checked out. She or he will need to rule out any more serious conditions before discussing stress with you.
Please note: the associations and persons quoted in this article are UK-based and relevant for the UK market only.
