Controlling stress when you have a stomach ulcer is a necessary part of the recovery process and can be effectively managed with a chair massage. A gastric or peptic ulcer is a painful condition caused by the inflammation and subsequent erosion of the stomach lining and can also occur in the intestinal tract. It has long been seen as a condition affecting overly stressed professionals, but can affect both children and adults, regardless of occupation. Chair massage is an important tool for keeping ulcer patients comfortable and on track for a full recovery.
If left undiagnosed or untreated, a stomach ulcer can cause a hole in the organ, leading to internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, and ultimately death. Spicy foods and a stress-filled lifestyle have long been seen as the main causes for peptic ulcers. However, medical research now credits the H. pylori bacterium as being the culprit in as many as 80% of all peptic ulcer cases. The H. pylori bacterium can be found in more than 20% of the American population, and is normally a benign infection. H. pylori dwells and multiplies in the protective mucus layer of the stomach and small intestine, sometimes causing inflammation that ultimately leads to an ulcer. Treatment usually consists of a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors taken over the course of 1-2 weeks. Therapeutic massage can encourage a more rapid and thorough healing of the affected areas through enhanced circulation, which aids in cell renewal and replenishment.
Other causes of peptic ulcers include excessive use of alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These drugs affect the protective mucous layer of the stomach, allowing acid to eat away at the stomach lining. NSAIDS also hamper the secretion of bicarbonates, which are our bodies’ natural acid reducers. Blood circulation to the stomach is also restricted by the use of NSAIDS, which decreases the renewal and mending of damaged cells. Corporate massage can relieve tension headaches brought on by work related stress and reduce the need for NSAIDS.
Although stress is no longer considered the leading cause of peptic ulcers, it is still considered a culprit and inhibits recovery. High levels of stress cause overproduction of stomach acid, which is the protagonist in ulcer development. Stress also hinders digestion, which can cause even more discomfort for those suffering from gastric ulcers. Correspondingly, stress takes its toll on the body’s ability to heal itself, and those with ulcers must keep their stress levels in check. A chair massage will aid the digestion process and help to maintain normal stomach acid levels.
Chair massage is one of the most immediate ways to reduce stress. Massage releases tension and calms anxiety, which in turn, stems the production of acid in the stomach. It is important to note that abdominal massage is contraindicated in patients with ulcers, due to an increased risk of hemorrhaging, and it is considered safer to concentrate the massage on reflex zones in order to benefit from the pain-reducing benefits. Chair massage increases circulation, which helps to repair damaged cells throughout the body, including the stomach and intestines. Improved circulation from a chair massage also contributes to easier digestion, which reduces abdominal discomfort, common to those with peptic ulcers.
