bella body
health
benefits of
a massage does more than relax
the body and rejuvenate the spirit
– it can also reduce workplace
stress. Words by Elise Eggleton
# / / b e l l a B E A U T Y
bella body
indulgence, more and more studies are revealing that
massages have the ability to reduce stress, alleviate
pain and increase productivity in the workplace. ‘A lot
of people think of massages as a reward but I prefer
to think of it more like a vitamin – something we have regularly to stay
healthy,’ says Sydney masseuse Hank Roberts, who trained at the NSW
School of Therapeutic Massage.
In 2001 one in three adults suffered from moderate to extreme stress –
an increase of nearly 40 percent in just four years. The total cost of
Australian workplace stress in 2000 was estimated to be $1.2 billion.
President of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists Geoff
Waldron says, ‘Massage therapists are seeing on a daily basis the physical
results of stress and injuries related to the workplace. Introducing
massage as part of staff wellness programs is a smart way for employers to
balance health with working life.’
‘Stress can manifest itself in three ways,’ says Managing Director of Zen
at Work Andre Blom. ‘It can affect the circulatory system, resulting in sweat-
ing, heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Stress can also manifest
itself in the mind, where your mind races and you can’t seem to slow your
thoughts down. Thirdly, there’s stress that manifests itself in the body,
resulting in muscle tightness, cramps and aching shoulders and neck.’
‘Massage is an effective way to temporarily relieve stress,’ explains
Roberts. ‘However, people need to have realistic expectations when it
comes to massage. If the thing that is causing stress in your life is a
permanent fixture, then that should also be addressed.’
Roberts says aromatherapy massage is an effective type of massage to
treat stress. ‘When it comes to massage a lot of people have the attitude
that if there’s no pain, there’s no gain. But this isn’t necessarily the case,’
he explains.
Aromatherapy massage involves the application of essential oils combined
with a light, relaxing massage to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
The essential oils are selected and combined to create a unique mix for
each person.
‘Aromatherapy massages work on the central nervous system to help
alleviate stress,’ says Roberts. ‘I use different oils depending on the client.
Lavender is very effective in treating stress, as is jasmine and mandarin.
Rosemary and peppermint on the other hand are very good for relieving
muscle pain.’
‘Stress is like the surf,’ says Blom. ‘It keeps crashing down on you until
you learn how to ride it. At Zen at Work we try and provide people with
a toolkit to manage stress and apply it to all aspects of their life.’
‘If you’re working at a computer all day, the chances are that you’re
actually sitting in a way that reinforces the stress response,’ says Blom.
‘You’ve got to open yourself up and start getting that balance, through
things like massage, exercise or yoga.’
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts known and it remains one of
the most effective and enjoyable ways of relaxing, reducing stress and
improving health. bella
Stress statistics
• A recent study by Medibank Private
found that healthy workers are three
times more productive than those
who define themselves as having
poor health.
• Work-related stress accounts for the
longest stretches of absenteeism.
• In 2004, stress-related workers
compensation claims had increased
by 400 percent in the last 10 years,
and the payout costs had doubled in
the last six years.
• The average NSW workers
compensation claimant takes over
20 weeks off work a year.
• The World Health Organisation lists
stress at work as one of the top ten
key determinants of poor health.
Benefits of
massage
• Stimulates the production of red blood
cells and helps counter anaemia
• Improves circulation
• Promotes lymph flow
• Relieves muscle tension
• Helps clear muscles of lactic and uric
acid that form during exercise
•Improves muscle tone and delays
muscle atrophy
•Helps reduce inflammation and
oedema in joints and soft tissue
b e l l a B E A U T Y / / 9 9
W hile many people still think of a massage as an