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Many people seek massage therapy to ease sore muscles and achy joints. But did you know that massage also offers a host of mental health benefits? Whether you feel overrun by the stress of everyday life or if you’re dealing with depression, routine massages can give you the mental boost that you need.
Here are some of the mental health benefits of massage so that you can feel good inside and out.
3 Mental Health Benefits of a Massage
1. Eases Anxiety
Anxiety is something that we all experience at some point in life, but for some people, it’s a constant. If you suffer from anxiety, the idea of a massage may not sound overly appealing. However, science shows otherwise!
Studies have found that massage therapy reduces the stress hormone cortisol by as much as 30 percent. When cortisol levels are balanced, the body is more effective at fighting off anxiety.
Massage therapy also reduces anxiety by:
- Alleviating built-up stress in the body
- Offering a safe space away from stress and anxiety triggers
2. Increases the Production of Feel-Good Hormones
If you have depression, you know that the condition goes well beyond feeling sad. Depression can make getting out of bed or going to work feel like an insurmountable task. And while most people are prescribed medication and counseling to help, another resource to add to your mental wellness routine is massage.
An analysis of 17 studies found a high correlation between massage therapy and the reduction of depressive symptoms. In fact, one study found that massage affects the brain and body chemistry by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine.
Massage also encourages the release of oxytocin. When levels are higher, it can play a role in increased social bonding.
3. Improves Concentration
Mental health also involves your cognition and ability to focus. If you’re having trouble concentrating and staying productive, massage can help. Muscle tension, especially in the shoulders, neck, and back, affects concentration.
Massage therapy relieves tension, which improves blood flow and oxygen transport to the brain. When muscles in the upper body are tense, blood is diverted to the problematic areas instead of to the brain.
With more blood and oxygen flowing in and out of the brain, you’ll find that you’re able to focus and stick to the task at hand. Research has found that a 15-minute massage decreases frontal alpha and beta power, which enhances alertness.
Schedule Your Next Massage
Even if you aren’t experiencing tense muscles or joint pain, remember that massage therapy also supports mental health. Putting yourself in a quiet, relaxing environment and having stress and tension removed from your body is one of the most effective ways to stay in a healthy headspace.
Schedule an Elements Massage to regain control of your mental health!