​Massage therapy is immediately thought of for its healing abilities when it comes to physical aches and pains, but one of its most important benefits is its ability to help those who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Massage therapy not only can help target physical symptoms that come with depression and anxiety, but it also targets the mental symptoms by increasing the patient’s energy by allowing them to relax and unwind. This increase in energy gives people the confidence and strength to get through their day.

On a deeper level, massage therapy also reduces cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. When cortisol levels are low, so are heart rate, anxiety, and blood pressure. Neurotransmitters in the brain are also affected by massage therapy. These neurotransmitters activate the serotonin and dopamine output levels, and when increased, it can result in the reduction of depression.
          
More specifically, hand massage alone can be quite effective. Hand massage can lead to a shift in signals to the brain, which as a result, is calming and lets the person have a break from all of their anxious thoughts.

Untreated depression and anxiety can have long-term negative affects on the body. Not only will massage therapy help physically to work out some of the aches and pains, but also scientifically, humans respond positively to tactile stimulation, which will help soothe patients mentally. 

Those who suffer from anxiety and depression are often told that they are not alone, but are they aware that there is a treatment that is ultimately all natural? Massages are often paired with feelings of relaxation and energy, and these results can mean relief for those with anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and depression comes in two forms and luckily, massages provide relief for both short-lived anxiety and long-term anxiety.

Short-lived anxiety and depression is experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. Massages can provide increased feelings of positive energy, which will allow improvement on ones mental health. Massages also reduce cortisol levels otherwise known as the stress hormone.

By reducing cortisol levels one is decreasing their blood pressure, their heart rate, and their general feeling of anxiety and depression.

Those with long-term anxiety and depression know that there are physical symptoms as well. Anxiety and depression comes with a feeling of uselessness and lack of motivation for activity.

Due to these feelings, patients of long-term anxiety and depression often experience a good amount of pain such as tense muscles and joint pain that can only be solved with physical activity.

Massages allow the muscles and joints to relax, therefore reducing the physical pain. This allows patients to be active and feel better physically and mentally even days after they have had a massage.

The elderly are most affected by their age than any other group. Massage therapy is proving to be a more valuable tool for influencing and controlling the adverse effects that come with this age.

Health is in a much frailer state in the elderly, and they could use the immune-boosting benefits of massage the most. Massage therapy reduces cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for killing white blood cells, by stimulating the pressure receptors under the skin. This in turn strengthens the weakened immune system.

With a decrease in health comes lack of physical activity. Massage therapy aids in improving the elderly’s range of motion by incorporating passive movements that allow them to get a better stretch. It also improves muscle coordination, balance and agility.

Massage therapy is particularly helpful for people who have or are undergoing treatment for a serious illness, such as cancer, by relieving the fatigue, pain and depression associated with it. It is especially beneficial for those afflicted with degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, by reducing agitation and calming the symptoms.

Massage also presents a need the elderly often lack: touch. Touch creates a nurturing bond that stems from caring, which can ease the effects of touch deprivation, such as irritability and lack of interest. It provides emotional support and companionship, which can have a significant impact on emotional well-being.

Massage is ultimately crucial for the elderly’s wellness, as it is one of the more natural and effective treatments to easing the effects of old age and providing a source of comfort.

Many young adults lead busy lives and are often on the go, creating a hectic lifestyle that at times can come with tension and stress. Massage therapy is a great way to alleviate these feelings by calming the nervous system. This also helps relieve any side emotions of agitation, aggression or anxiety that may stem from stress.

Stress in young adults often causes sleep deprivation and consequent vulnerability to sickness. As with children, massage therapy is also beneficial for young adults when it comes to improving sleep and boosting immunity. This subsequently raises alertness, which is necessary for an individual’s daily school or work performance.

Young adults are a very active group, whether through exercise, playing sports, day-to-day activity or even work. Massage therapy increases and improves circulation, easing muscle soreness and reducing cramps that may result from such activities. It also aids in recovery from soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. Stimulation of healing tissues and the improved circulation accelerates the growth and repair of tissue in injured areas. Even if you don’t experience muscle soreness, massage therapy can help quicken recovery from fatigue post-exercise.

Massage therapy is a great investment in relieving the burdens of the daily grind, whether physical or mental. This option will only allow one to face the next day’s struggles with a better sense of wellness and positivity.

The lifestyle of a college student can be very hectic. This age group seems to always be on the go, whether it is grabbing a bite to eat with friends or catching up on homework at the library. Because coursework can be so intense and stressful, a lot of students may turn to harmful stress-relieving activities such as drinking and partying.

Unfortunately for them, these activities can actually increase their stress levels because they can cause students to fall farther behind in school. The recovery from these activities requires even more time and effort.

What these students may not realize is there are other options that are healthier and safer such as massage therapy.

Massages are a great, safe and affordable option if college students are looking to relax and take a break from their chaotic lives. The time spent in a massage session provides students with an hour or so of leisure in which they are forced to remove themselves from the stress of their everyday lives. During this time, they cannot think about or do anything else. It is a time set aside to throw out all of the strain from a test or project and to focus on oneself and one’s body.

Another factor affecting students is illnesses brought on by lack of sleep and anxiety. According a study done by Mark Rapaport, MD, participants who received massages not only experienced decreases in stress hormones but also an increase in white blood cells, which boost the immune system. This boost from massages may give students that extra edge they need to ace a test or complete a homework assignment.

                                              What are some other Benefits of Massage?

So next time you are pulling your hair out from a difficult exam or even drama with friends, turn toward the benefits of a massage. To book an appointment, call 407-808-6612. More information can be found on angieblakemore.com.

Have a great week!