OTHER RESOURCES & LINKS
(Use your browser’s
BACK button to return to this page after visiting links)
The Therapeutic
Power of Touch
Ø
The Touch
Research Institute is embarked in ongoing research into the many benefits
of touch as used in a diverse range of tactile therapies and bodywork.
Ø
Intricate Tactile
Sensitivity is an article which analyses several forms of ‘bodywork’ from
the viewpoint of the qualities of the touch used. Of particular interest is the section
‘Attentive-Inattentive Touch vs ITS’ (the need to remain ‘focussed’ is very
much a part of my own philosophy in terms of giving massage). In addition, the references throughout the
article to ‘mindfulness meditation’ point towards the potential for massage
itself to be a form of meditation.
Ø
The
Relationship between Body and Mind
Ø
Mind
Body Medicine is an excellent article which provides an overview and
explores the techniques of mind/body medicine.
The biopsychosocial model of health is explained in the article which
also points out the significance of stress management in overall health care.
Self-Help
Stress Management Techniques
Ø
Stress
Management and Relaxation provides detailed instructions for the practice
of Progressive Muscular Relaxation. This technique is one of the staple tools of
stress management and the article is ideal for those who prefer learning from
written instructions. Note that most
books on the subjects of relaxation and stress management will also have
instructions for variations of the technique, some of which may prove more
suitable for some people. Likewise there
are many audio tapes available which again some people may find more useful
than written instructions.
Ø
Take the Stress
Test at the Stressbusting
Website This is a very informative site
which includes a look at the symptoms of stress together with many self-help
tips and techniques, articles and news about stress and its effects. (My favourite article is on the subject of ‘Stress Envy’!) This is a UK based site so references and
links to some products and services may not be relevant, however in general the
information presented is both very informative, educational and entertaining!
Ø
How to Survive Unbearable
Stress is an easy-to-read but somewhat unorthodox view of stress by author
Steven L. Burns in which he introduces the concepts of ‘overstress’ and ‘stress
tolerance’. In addition to the ‘standard’ stress questionnaire and basic stress-reduction techniques Burns
also includes a very interesting section on the ‘brain chemicals’ involved in
stress. Although I’m not overly
enthusiastic about this site as a whole,
the brain chemicals section is definitely worth a read!
Ø
The Stresstips website has
a wide variety of Stress
Tests for those wanting to check their stress levels. The Stress Tips
Archive is also worth checking as many of the tips themselves have links to
even more stress tests!
Ø
The Mind Tools
site’s stress management section gives an excellent description of various
techniques and strategies used to deal with stress.
