Massage Therapy’s Impact on Mental Health

Everyone has his or her own version of a self-care routine. Whether it’s doing a face mask before bed, hitting the gym, or booking a massage, self-care can play a positive role in our quality of life.

For those who schedule massages, there are a whole host of benefits that this service can bring beyond the obvious physical relief.  In fact, massage therapy has been clinically proven to alleviate depressive symptoms, soothe anxiety, and boost energy.  This means that the mental relaxation that you feel after a massage doesn’t come solely from the champagne.  To the contrary, massage therapy actually causes changes at the physical level that can affect our overall happiness and mental well-being.

This week, we’re going to break down three ways that massage therapy can help with our mental health.

Massage Therapy Can Stimulate Hormones That Reduce Depression.

When there is a deficiency of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, this can lead to medical conditions such as depression.  During a massage therapy session, a therapist works your muscles and other soft tissues to enhance their function and promote relaxation.   The therapist’s touch alone releases feel-good hormones and increases neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.  By stimulating these neurotransmitters, massage therapy can ultimately leave you in a better headspace.

Massage Therapy Can Sooth Anxiety.

Whether it’s work, family, or money, most of us are bound to experience some form of anxiety.  According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., with about 40 million adults experiencing its debilitating symptoms.  The good news is that it’s highly treatable; and massage therapy is one way to overcome it.

Receiving a massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol by about 30 percent, which can alleviate symptoms such as tension, fears and insomnia.  Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, which can become life-threatening.  A study conducted at the Wirral Metropolitan College Department of Medicine reported patients with hypertension showed significant decreases in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure following a massage.  To boot, patients also experienced decreases in muscular tension and heart rate.

Massage Therapy Can Increases Energy.

If you feel run down and groggy more often than you’d otherwise like, there is no need to feel ashamed.  A recent CDC study shows that about 15 percent of women and 10 percent of men report feeling tired or exhausted all of the time.  If you’re constantly feeling exhausted, you may simply need a reboot.  And, scheduling a massage is the perfect way to get it.

A primary benefit of massage therapy is increased circulation. The pressure applied during a massage can boost your lymphatic system, which is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.  It removes waste build-up and bacteria from the body, protecting it from outside threats.  When the lymphatic system is working at its best, your body can detoxify itself more easily, which leads to better circulation and more energy.

With increased circulation, you will experience clarity and freshness both mentally and physically.  Maintaining your mental health is so crucial, especially in a world that moves so quickly.

At our Brandon and Lakeland locations, we offer a variety of massages such as Deep Therapy, Swedish, Serenity Stone and more.  So, make sure to stay on top of your emotional well-being by booking a massage with us!  To read more about the massages that we offer or to book services, simply click this link!