3 Ways Massage Helps Depression And Anxiety

What Are Depression And Anxiety?

Depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, lack of motivation and energy, poor self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or unease that can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include restlessness, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and sweating.

How Does Massage Help?

Massage has been used for centuries as a way to reduce stress and tension. Recent research suggests that massage can also help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly when combined with other therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Here are three ways massage helps treat depression and anxiety:

• Reduces Stress: Massage is known to reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lowering cortisol levels in turn lowers our heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, creating an overall sense of relaxation. This can make it easier to manage stressful situations without feeling overwhelmed by them.

• Increases Serotonin Levels: According to research, massage increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and feelings of happiness and well-being. Increasing these levels can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Improves Sleep Quality: Massage relaxes the body, which can improve sleep quality. Improved sleep can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety while also giving us more energy during the day.

Types Of Massage Therapy That Help Reduce Depression And Anxiety:

There are many different massage techniques that can be used to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some commonly used techniques include:

• Swedish massage

A gentle massage that involves long, flowing strokes to help the body relax.

• Deep tissue massage

This technique uses firmer pressure to relax deeply held tension in the muscles and reduce stress.

• Hot stone massage

Warm stones are placed on the body, allowing heat to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue for enhanced relaxation.

• Reflexology

This massage technique focuses on specific areas of the body, such as the hands and feet, to promote relaxation throughout the entire body.

• Aromatherapy

Aromatic oils are used to enhance the massage experience. The scents can have calming and uplifting effects on the mind, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.

Massage is one of the oldest and most natural forms of healing, with documented use dating back thousands of years. And while we now know a great deal about how massage helps improve physical health, scientists are only beginning to understand the ways in which massage can benefit mental health as well. In this post, we’ve explored three ways massage helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you or someone you love suffers from either condition, call The Sanctuary Pleasant Hill LLC today to schedule an appointment for massage therapy. With its ability to help regulate moods and ease stress, massage may be just what you need to start feeling better again.