Stress is a normal part of daily life, but for those who have been traumatized by past hurts in childhood, parental abuse, domestic violence and other traumatic event triggers, their ability to handle stress is diminished and instead of resorting to healthy methods to cope, they resort to alcohol and drug addiction to numb their emotional, mental or physical pain. The strain of stress can take a toll on one’s body, such as tight muscles and deep, unrelenting aches in various parts of the body such as the back, head and neck. Massage therapy helps the individual suffering from addiction to find alternative ways to relieve stress. Not only is massage therapy a popular form of relief, but it also strengthens the immune system and elevates one’s overall sense of well-being.
MASSAGE THERAPY IN ADDICTION TREATMENT
During recovery, stress-related hormone levels tend to rise while serotonin and dopamine levels drop. Massage therapy helps to reverse this by raising levels of endorphins in the blood. Drug addiction occurs when an individual experiences an excessive level of dopamine “rush” that the body cannot naturally produce on its own. When the person abstains from using, his levels of dopamine are abnormally low, so massage therapy helps to counteract the effects of fluctuating hormonal levels that produce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings.
TYPES OF MASSAGES IN HOLISTIC THERAPY TREATMENT
You can choose from a variety of therapeutic treatments that will help you feel better naturally. They include deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, and shiatsu/trigger point therapy. At the pressure level that you’re comfortable with, the massage therapist will focus on problematic areas such as your neck, upper or lower back, arms and other regions where you feel pain and/or tension. Each technique is based on the goal you want to accomplish. Do you want to improve your posture? Do you have poor circulation or need a boost in energy? Below are some brief descriptions of each technique:
Deep Tissue
Goal: Improve posture and movement, resolve chronic problems, whiplash or sports injury
Targeted areas of the body: Connective tissue along the spine
Swedish
Goal: Improve circulation of blood and lymph nodes
Targeted areas of the body: Muscle tissue connected to the shoulders with use of oil
Shiatsu Acupressure/Trigger Point
Goal: Improve functioning of organs and tissues, thereby boosting levels of energy
Targeted areas of the body: Specific points along the body’s meridian pathways (also known as “chi”)
Hot Stone
Goal: Increase blood flow to the area where the stones are placed and relieve muscle pain/injuries
Targeted areas of the body: Back (main area), hands, feet
MASSAGE THERAPY AT NEW METHOD WELLNESS
Massage Therapy is one of the numerous holistic methods you can choose from as part of your recovery plan at New Method Wellness. Our skilled and experienced massage therapists are well acquainted with the effects of addiction on the body and they will ease your transition into recovery with their healing hands.
It’s Time For A New Method
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
From all of us at New Method Wellness co-occurring treatment center, we wish you peace and serenity in knowing that you or your loved one will get the necessary help.
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