Can Massage Therapy Help With Anxiety And Depression?

“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless, and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that”. – Robin Williams

Life will always involve some level of stress. It is nearly impossible to remove all stress from day-to-day life. Stress is physiological and psychological responses to situations the body and mind find to be overwhelming. Numerous occurrences cause our bodies to become unstable. Even positive events like getting married, beginning a new job, or becoming a parent can cause a lot of stress. Depression and anxiety symptoms can be more pronounced when a person finds it difficult to handle stressful situations.

The main issue with this is that, without proper prevention and treatment, these conditions have the potential to completely ruin our lives. An effective treatment for depression and anxiety is massage. Massage therapy is one of many ways to cope with stress, and treat anxiety and depression. Find out more about the advantages of this practise in this article.

The Significance of body massage

Regular massage sessions not only treat many different illnesses, but also aid in mental and physical relaxation. Its effects can occasionally be comparable to those of drugs and last for a comparable amount of time. A person begins to have a new perception of their body during massage therapy, which leads to a very significant behaviour change that is essential to the healing process. 

Massage helps to reduce depression and anxiety because it acts on the hormone responsible for causing stress, cortisol. Reduced cortisol levels, increased calm, and relaxation are all benefits of massage. Any of the following massage techniques can be used to lessen depression and anxiety:

• Oil-based massages

Essential oil massages are a fantastic treatment option to help with stress and depression reduction and improve quality of life. The main causes of anxiety and depression are eliminated by the aromas released during the massage, resulting in a calm and tranquil feeling. Massage that uses essential oils, like sweet almond oil, for instance, softens, comforts, and triggers peace. 

• Reflex point massaging

Reflexology involves pressing on specific points on the body to balance energies, alleviate pain and fatigue, and get rid of uncomfortable symptoms of anxiety and depression. The therapy involves massaging the body at specific points that stimulate the organs and have the ability to rid the body of toxins, aiding in cleaning and easing tension.

• Deep tissue massage

One sophisticated massage technique to address particular issues is deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massages work the muscle’s deep layers with slow, firm strokes. Your massage therapist might use deep tissue massage to treat tense muscles brought on by stress or other issues. This type concentrate on the connective tissues and muscles that are closest to your bones.

• Rapid massage for depression and anxiety relief

A quick massage is a simple and effective way to reduce the signs of depression and anxiety brought on by too much stress. The procedure takes only a few minutes and doesn’t involve the use of creams or oils, making it perfect for use, for instance, in the workplace. It is valuable to incorporate it into your routine!

• Hot Stone

Warm flat stones will be placed on your body during a hot stone massage to help your muscles relax. Additionally, they will press on the stones to release muscle tension. After being anxious or stressed out, some people seek solace in a hot stone massage.

Conclusion into the World of Spas and Massages

People who regularly receive massages are aware of how calming they are and how they can make the day more enjoyable and less stressful. The majority of people find massage therapy to be safe when done by a qualified professional. Read this StarInsights report, on how you can select the best spa in Blouberg, Cape Town, to indulge oneself this Festive Season. From the moment your massage starts, you’ll feel calm and at ease. Ultimately, you’ll discover that it gives you gratification right away.