Massage - Gentle touch technique - Relaxation Response
There are approximately 2000 touch receptors per finger tip! These receptors have the ability to communicate thru touch. Under the skin is fascia which is the richest sensory and largest contractile organ in the body containing four types of sensory nerve receptors. It is this fascia and those sensory nerve receptors that thru gently touch technique we can trigger the relaxation response in the body.
Relaxation can be defined as a state of 'letting go' of allowing our voluntary muscles to release tension to the greatest degree possible and allowing the mind to develop, with a positive attitude, as a feeling of calm and well-being. With relaxation we can consciously achieve a state of physical and mental ease.
Physical Changes in Relaxation
The mind slows down, Brain waves change from beta to alpha and theta, Breathing rates slows down, Metabolic rate goes down - body at deep rest.
Heart beat slower, blood pressure goes down, Muscle tension decreases, Blood vessels dilate - improvement in circulation, Endocrine functions associated with chronic states of anxiety normalise, Lactic acid levels neutralise - reducing anxiety levels. Pain is relieved. Production of beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain increases, individual changes occur.
Psychological Changes in Relaxation
A feeling of integration - of peace and calm, A sense of being in control, A feeling of more Positivity, Anxiety and worry level lowered, More laughter, humour and generally happier, Thinking more clearly, Improved creativity and intuition, Improved relationships, as you become warmer, more relaxed and friendly your less reactive to people and situations and have more confidence in your self. Enjoying restful sleep.
(Quest for life by Petrea King)