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According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage treatments have shown to positively impact mental health by lowering stress levels, reducing anxiety, helping with depression, and directly improving the overall well-being of an individual.
The stress hormone Cortisol has shown to directly impact the feelings of anxiety and depression, as well physical symptoms such as; muscle tension, migraines and headaches. Studies indicate that massage therapy can help lower cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress and improving mood.
Besides lowering stress, massage therapy increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that play an important role in regulating the mood and emotion of a patient. In essence, massage acts in a dual capacity; lowering hormones that add to anxiety levels and increase the release of neurotransmitters to boost one’s emotional state.
Added benefit of a massage session(s) helps improve sleep. A more restful, peaceful and deep sleep has a direct impact on reducing anxiety and depression. A good nights sleep has shown to improve productivity, provide the ability to clearer thought process, reduced anxiety, healthier body and much more.
Dr. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, after conducting multiple studies on the benefits of massage therapy on mental health, shared the following; “Massage therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing depression and anxiety, as well as improving mood and overall well-being.”
Besides the many studies and research, individuals who book regular massage therapy sessions with their RMT’s have reported feeling more relaxed, are less anxious, feel more at ease, enjoy restful sleep and are overall invigorated after their sessions.
Anyone considering massage therapy sessions for mental health concerns, should consider speaking with a licensed massage therapist (RMT) or healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for you.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain, improving sleep, and decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients.
Furthermore, the benefits of massage therapy extend to pregnant women. Prenatal massage therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, pain and swelling as well as improve sleep, mood and overall well-being in pregnant women.
It’s also important to note that massage therapy sessions can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as; medication and counselling, to enhance the overall effectiveness and experience for the patient.
Dr. Mark Rapaport, Chairman of Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, shared the following (we are paraphrasing); “Massage therapy can be an effective addition to traditional psychiatric treatments, helping to improve the overall well-being for those with mental health conditions.”
In conclusion, massage therapy has shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions including; PTSD, ADHD, fibromyalgia, prenatal depression and anxiety.
When it comes to health issues, it’s important to consult with a licensed massage therapist (RMT) or healthcare provider to determine if massage therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you and your ailment.
References:
- American Massage Therapy Association. (n.d.). The Benefits of Massage. https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/Massage-Therapy-Journal/detail/3596/the-benefits-of-massage
- Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.
- Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2001). Depression and immune function improved by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 51(1), 81-88.
- Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Massage therapy research review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 9(1), 3-72.
- Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.
- Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2001). Depression and immune function improved by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 51(1), 81-88.
- Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Massage therapy research review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 9(1), 3-72.
- Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. (1996). Massage therapy for veterans with PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(1),
- Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2008). ADHD symptoms in children decrease following massage therapy. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(3),
- Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Schanberg, S. (2005). Massage therapy research review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 9(1),
- Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10)
