Gone are the days when massage was only a luxury. Long term studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial in the following ways:
Massage improves mood and mental clarity. *This is especially helpful for those suffering with depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Massage is proven to not only relieve harmful stress, but it induces emotional release as well. Receiving massage is an opportunity to “let go” of harmful negative feelings/emotions that we sometimes hold onto for long periods of time. Many times, these negative emotions (negative energy) manifest themselves into areas of the body, and are stored until eventually they create physical pain, emotional distress and sometimes illness. Having regular massage is safer, healthier and more effective than some other alternatives (i.e. prescription drugs) with no harmful side effects.
Massage, it’s role in management of stress, anxiety and depression
Massage is one of the oldest healing techniques used to help us overcome psychological and physical health problems.
Beneficial Biochemical Effects of Regular Massage
Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals, it increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins. Massage lowers noradrenaline and lowers the stress hormone ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Massage boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves lung function and peak air flow, it generally reduces the number of visits to the doctor whilst increasing work productivity.
Massage improves mood and mental clarity. *This is especially helpful for those suffering with depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Massage is proven to not only relieve harmful stress, but it induces emotional release as well. Receiving massage is an opportunity to “let go” of harmful negative feelings/emotions that we sometimes hold onto for long periods of time. Many times, these negative emotions (negative energy) manifest themselves into areas of the body, and are stored until eventually they create physical pain, emotional distress and sometimes illness. Having regular massage is safer, healthier and more effective than some other alternatives (i.e. prescription drugs) with no harmful side effects.
Massage, it’s role in management of stress, anxiety and depression
Massage is one of the oldest healing techniques used to help us overcome psychological and physical health problems.
Beneficial Biochemical Effects of Regular Massage
Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals, it increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins. Massage lowers noradrenaline and lowers the stress hormone ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Massage boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves lung function and peak air flow, it generally reduces the number of visits to the doctor whilst increasing work productivity.
Massage and Anxiety
Regular massage can help reduce our anxiety levels. Research by Tiffany Fields at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine looked into the therapeutic value of massage in reducing anxiety and depression. The data from this study indicated that massage produced marked reductions in anxiety and depression in people who were massaged but not in the control group who were not massaged. Mood and sleep patterns also improved. They slept more soundly for longer periods of time. The subjects massaged were found to have lower levels of cortisol stress hormone in their saliva, and depressed people also had lower levels of urinary cortisol and noradrenaline which increase in times of stress. Other studies have confirmed the research. Adults with chronic anxiety problems and people with muscle tension, aches and pains etc who did not improve after being given anti-anxiety medication/antidepressants, muscle relaxants and relaxation training, were given a course of massage. Afterwards most reported less tension, pain, and need for medication.
How Massage Works
Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system. When the skin is massaged, it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain as serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Regular massage can help reduce our anxiety levels. Research by Tiffany Fields at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine looked into the therapeutic value of massage in reducing anxiety and depression. The data from this study indicated that massage produced marked reductions in anxiety and depression in people who were massaged but not in the control group who were not massaged. Mood and sleep patterns also improved. They slept more soundly for longer periods of time. The subjects massaged were found to have lower levels of cortisol stress hormone in their saliva, and depressed people also had lower levels of urinary cortisol and noradrenaline which increase in times of stress. Other studies have confirmed the research. Adults with chronic anxiety problems and people with muscle tension, aches and pains etc who did not improve after being given anti-anxiety medication/antidepressants, muscle relaxants and relaxation training, were given a course of massage. Afterwards most reported less tension, pain, and need for medication.
How Massage Works
Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system. When the skin is massaged, it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain as serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
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Anti-Aging! Yes.
Massage will keep you looking and feeling younger. With the reduction of stress and the stimulation/conditioning benefits that your skin, bones, and muscles receive, there is a definite improvement to your outer appearance. You will also carry yourself differently as you notice many of your postural flaws begin to improve. |
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Massage Effects
Anxiety ~ Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
Pain ~ Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines, and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required.
Labor pain ~ Massage during child birth appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
Infant growth ~ Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
Children with Diabetes ~ Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
Sports-related soreness ~ Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage will help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
Immune System ~ People with HIV who participated in massage studies benefit when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety, and engagement in the therapy.
Cancer Treatment ~ People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain, and fatigue.
Self-esteem ~ Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities.
Anxiety ~ Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
Pain ~ Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines, and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required.
Labor pain ~ Massage during child birth appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
Infant growth ~ Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
Children with Diabetes ~ Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
Sports-related soreness ~ Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage will help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
Immune System ~ People with HIV who participated in massage studies benefit when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety, and engagement in the therapy.
Cancer Treatment ~ People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain, and fatigue.
Self-esteem ~ Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities.
