Stress will kill you. It’s as simple as that. The more we learn about the risks we take when we allow ourselves to carry high levels of stress the more frightening it becomes. Even today’s macho, workaholic type-A men are realizing that they are prime targets for an early death from a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that many are educating themselves on ways to slow and hopefully reverse this trend.
Hands down, short of retiring and taking up residence in a hammock on a beach in the Caribbean, nothing pulls the plug on stress better than a good massage. Your average image-conscious male may not like to talk about enjoying a massage. He will be more likely to tell you he relaxes on the golf course or does his de-stressing by going fishing or watching the game with his buddies. Certainly there are benefits to be had from these activities but they each have the potential to create their own brand of stress. Just ask the spouse of a golfer with the highest score in his foursome!
Unlike most activities, massage is not the least bit competitive and is perhaps one of the few experiences where men can totally relax. There are no expectations on the client when he’s on the massage table. That, in itself, may be worth the time invested.
There are many different types of massage techniques available. Which you choose should be determined by your goal. Simple relaxation can be found through the ever-popular Swedish massage method. Targeted relief for locked muscles, lower back pain and stiff necks might be better served by a practitioner skilled in the method of deep tissue massage. Often different methods are combined such as when heated stones are used in conjunction with deep tissue massage in order to relax the muscles without applying as much pressure as would be needed otherwise.
Whatever method you choose, finding the time and making the commitment to lower your stress level and nurture yourself with the benefits of these massage therapy techniques is an excellent investment in your health and well being today and for the future.