The emotional balance massage provides can be just as vital and valuable as the physical benefits. Massage provides a safe and nurturing place for individuals to relax, refocus and find clarity. It can increase awareness of the mind-body connection. Massage can generate confidence and enhance self-image and self-worth.
According to the American Psychology Association, stress levels among U.S. adults are rising, and it’s having a negative impact on mental and physical health. Research suggests that more than 90 percent of illness results from stress alone. Decreasing physical and emotional stress is optimal to improving overall health and well-being.
Research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be positively affected with massage therapy. A 60-minute massage can lower cortisol, a hormone that’s produced in response to stress, by an average of 30 percent. And when cortisol levels decline, serotonin — one of the body’s anti-pain mechanisms — increases by an average of 28 percent after receiving a massage. By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you’re boosting your body’s ability to fight off pain, anxiety and feelings of sadness.
The Benefits from Massage Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Helps the feelings anxiety and depression: Massage targets the physical symptoms that occur and increases the perceived feelings of energy.
Massage therapy can reduce the cortisol levels (a stress hormone): Massage helps to decrease the stress symptoms like increased blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of anxiety. The treatment also can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing serotonin and dopamine levels that can help reduce depression.
Decrease body pain: By directly decreasing the levels of anxiety and depression, the massage will also have an effect on the corresponding body pain that the client feels due to their condition.
Massage will treat the tight muscles: When the condition is more prolonged or severe, loss of activity and personal maintenance: like exercising (stretching/strengthening) and walking are a challenge. The less active we are, the more restricted our body becomes. By releasing the muscles, the joints will have better range of motion
Increased energy: increased physical activity is beneficial for physical symptoms and general health.
Beyond the focused treatment, clients with anxiety and depression will benefit purely by the safe touch of another human being. Safe nurturing touch helps fulfill the need for human contact, such as the comforting touch we once received at birth. For some, massage is the only caring touch they may receive. Massage can be considered an hour-long hug, providing you with a nurturing safe place to rest physically and emotionally.
Massage therapy has been proven to be an effective part of your holistic approach to your anxiety and depression. It will be most effective when used in combination with counseling, diet, exercise, western medical treatment and/or naturopathic care. With proper care many people lead full productive lives even though they have been diagnosed with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
Body & Soul Massage in Salem Ma offers 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minute Therapeutic Massage Therapy Sessions. Visit our website www.bodysoulsalem.com or call for more information or to schedule an appointment: 978-825-0040