​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. 

Daily life comes with numerous stressful situations that can put you in a bad mood. Getting a massage can make your stressful situations a little easier to handle and turn your bad mood around.

A study showed that a Swedish massage increased serotonin by 28 percent and dopamine by 31 percent. Both these hormones are known as the “feel good” hormones. Massage also decreased cortisol, a stress hormone, by 31 percent.

Massage can change the biochemistry of your body, which therefore decreases your stress reactions. If you don’t have time for a vacation, consider getting a massage instead.

One of the great things about massage therapy is that it’s beneficial for people of all ages. From infants to the elderly, massage has been found to enhance general health and welfare. This is especially true in children, where health is crucial to their growth.

In fact, children still experience the same pain and stress that adults do, and massage therapy can play an important role in its relief. It promotes a strong immunity, which reduces the effects of stress on a developing child. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, which brings about sleep and the overall feeling of well-being. 

The nurturing touch if massage therapy also helps set the foundation for a child’s growth into a well-adjusted adult. It stimulates mental and physical development, as well as brain growth. It also improves sound posture by fostering body awareness, which will limit incorrect stress and strain on the developing skeletal and muscular systems.

Studies also show that massage therapy helps children with disorders or diseases. It helps the body and mind of children with ADHD by calming them and by decreasing fidgeting, which results in better behavior and more attentiveness. It also helps children with cystic fibrosis breathe more easily. 

Massage therapy is ultimately beneficial for relaxation, stress reduction and physical development for children, which promotes an easier and healthier transition into young adulthood.

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.

When many people think of getting a massage, they imagine going to a salon, receiving a generic treatment, and leaving generally unaltered. The truth of it is, massage therapy can be individualized to meet any person’s needs, which can make it very beneficial for everyday life.

Day-to-day we all experience physical stresses that many of us tend to brush off or ignore. After a long day of sitting at a desk, mowing the lawn, or running errands, many people have aches and pains that they hope will just go away. In reality, tension can build up and become a chronic source of discomfort.

What most people don’t realize is that this buildup can be easily reduced by something as simple as getting a massage. By targeting your individual problem areas, massage therapy relieves tense and knotted muscles and leaves your body feeling strong, healthy and energetic.

Ignoring aches and pains is a bad idea in more ways than one. Not only are you neglecting your physical health, but you may also be increasing levels of anxiety and depression. No one enjoys feeling overworked and tense, but not everyone realizes that those feelings are strongly linked to mental distress. Maintaining your physical health through massage therapy can diminish these oppressive feelings and make you a healthier, and therefore happier, person.

It is important to reduce physical discomfort and maintain your health so that you are ready and able to take on your daily grind. Just as an athlete needs to stretch before exercising, you must relieve your body before building up more stress. Consider massage therapy an investment in your well-being – the more you take care of your body, the happier you will be.

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!