Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1498691
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 61 often originate here because of our brain's survival mechanisms and people's natural instinct to scan the environment with their eyes and move their heads around to remain aware of potential threats. Eye movements are intimately connected with the base of the skull for this reason. Even though humans are no longer running from lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), they are still wired for primal survival, which, in current times, might simply mean being on guard for "red flags" from people/relationships, places, and things (or irritating social media posts). The body responds the same regardless of the perceived threat. Why Should You Care About This? Everyone—and I mean everyone— experiences stress on a regular basis. Without being conscious of it, you filter the information around you all the time. So, the brain and its survival mechanisms are always at work. Therefore, the head and neck are always at work, as is the jaw—especially when stress is overwhelming. Even 2–3 minutes of intentional, caring touch affects the stress response significantly. In addition to stress, the daily behaviors of most individuals contribute to head and neck strain. Most notable is the use of cell phones and laptops. Rarely, if ever, do people use these devices at eye level with the spine in a lifted, elongated, neutral, and healthy posture. More often, people are in postures that include rounding the shoulders forward and dropping the head. These behaviors and actions create major tension on the surrounding and supporting muscles, resulting in devastating repercussions, including headaches, fatigue, and pain in the arms, hands, mid, and low back; even as far down as the hips, legs, and feet. All parts of the body are united by contiguous fascia (a type of all- encompassing connective tissue). The aim here is bliss, a retreat from everyday life. So, take it slow and massage in your products with a nurturing pace. cottonbro/pexels