Stress is a physical, chemical, and emotional factor that induces bodily or mental tension that may be a contributory cause of disease. (Webster's Dictionary).

A state of chronic or excessive stress impedes the body's natural ability to maintain itself properly and efficiently:

• The cardiovascular and respiratory systems work harder and less efficiently
• the immune system has difficulty fighting off pathogens
• the body's metabolism has difficulty supplying the increased demand for energy during periods of negative stress
• hormones build up in the bloodstream and cause adverse effects, including damage to arterial walls
• the adrenal glands become worn out

Chronic and acute stress play such havoc with our health that it is estimated that 80% of the illnesses diagnosed by physicians may be stress related. Chronic stress can increase your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and may actually alter the consistency of blood, which can lead to increased clotting. You may find yourself depressed, low in energy, moody, and with little or no sex drive. Your body will excrete minerals, such as magnesium, before nutrients have a change to assimilate, and nutritional deficiencies may occur, often resulting in more serious illnesses. You will find yourself with the discomfort of chronic muscle tension as circulation is impeded, unable to provide nutrients to those hard working muscles or to remove metabolic waste. Muscle pain and tension is the result. The lymphatic system works less efficiently and toxins accumulate in the body, diminishing the efficient functioning of the body's immune system.

Aromatherapy massage is a powerful stress reliever. It combines the healing power of the world's oldest forms of therapy: massage and the topical application of therapeutic-grade essential oils. The combination is a powerful modality to alleviate stress, chronic pain, depression, PMS, headaches, and more.

Studies have shown that 15 minutes of massage can decrease stress hormones by 24%

"Due to a past car accident, I have a vulnerable spot in my upper back that regularly gets inflammed. I've tried many different types of massages for my upper back, and many are fine at the time, even intense, but don't have any lasting effects. I've had great success with creating space, warmth and amazing openness with Brigitte's massages. The combination of the heating essential oils and massage techniques are both intense, soothing, and help to give me relief in that area. As an active person, both in life and in my work, this is essential!"

- R.H., Yoga Instructor, Personal Trainer, Thai Massage Practitioner