Qi-ssage & Stress

Funny, as I review all the wonders of massage (Mosby) I pondered the question… ‘If I were going to rename massage…what would I call it?’ ….After a few moments I wrote ‘Qissage’….as I continue to practice Qigong, naturally I  incorporate Qigong practice into the massage experience (guided visualization, awareness breathing, circulating positive life energy flow…). I thought ‘better google it first’….sure enough, Qi-ssage is already being practiced under the same name! Wonderful! I LOVE Qi-ssage!

Massage, ever evolving, ever awakening, ever healing… ‘If I were going to rename Qissage, what would I name it?’ hmm… ‘MassQi’  ‘Neuromassoqi Therapy’ hahahaha… ‘masso (to touch, handle, squeeze, or knead’) … interesting to ponder...~ the possibilities of massage are simply endless ~ Below is a lil’ tid bit I wrote about allostasis and massage ~~~ While reading…ponder ‘If you were going to rename Massage, what would you call it?’

STRESS

Our body and mind is a wonderful system which offers us balance in times of need termed by our medical community as allostasis. Allostasis allows an organism to adapt to change (stress); however, a prolonged bout of chronic stress can result in physical and psychological damage leading to cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, anxiety, depression and obesity. Overtime, allostatic load can accumulate and the brain produces neural, endocrine and immune stress mediators which can have adverse effects on various organ systems (heart) leading to disease.

Allostatic load (overload) increases circulation of the glucocorticoids in the bloodstream, (among other hormones which regulate balance/allostasis), and can trigger physiological and behavioral changes. The individual begins to function at a high-stress high alert survival mode instead of functioning at normal levels of stress in daily routines.

The mediators of adaptation to change and challenges of daily life are our Neuroendocrine, Immune & Cardiovascular Systems with our Brain working as master controller ~ (Brain, Qi, Spirit, Heart)

Neuroendocrine: During Allostatic Load, rapidly releases chemicals that alter balance (homeostasis). The neuroendocrine system releases increased levels of glucocorticoids, for example, during allostatic load due to sleep deprivation, or rich diet--- causing insulin resistance and increased rick for cardiovascular disease.

Immune System: Chronic Stress impairs the ability of the immune system to relocate immune cells the ability of those cells to recognize and respond to a pathogenic agent. Inflammatory agents (cytokines) and self-generated responses (autoimmune) no longer are contained by circulating cortisol. Disorders such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases may become exasperated.

Cardiovascular System: With an elevation of neuroendocrine activity, too much insulin promotes hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and may accelerate hardening of the arteries.

A few of the Many Health Consequences of long-term over- secretion of cortisol & epinephrine:

• High Blood Pressure • Obesity • Digestive Problems • Heart Disease

Let’s look at a few of the many Benefits of Massage on our Neuroendocrine System:

Massage Increases Dopamine ~ Pleasure

Massage Increases Serotonin ~ Mood Regulator

Massage helps Regulate Epinephrine ~ Flight or Fight

Massage Increases release of Endorphins/Enkephalins/Dynorphins ~ Mood lifters, Pain Modulators

Massage Increases levels of Oxytocin ~ Connection, Bonding  

Massage helps Reduce Cortisol ~ Stress Hormones

Massage helps increase Growth Hormone ~ Encourages Sleep & Reduces Cortisol

All Together Now= Balance, Healthiness, Happiness, Connectedness

If you were going to rename Massage, what would you call it?