Benefits Of Massage For Mental Health

A significant component in managing stress is implementing a strategy to help you feel relaxed and revitalized. One of the relaxation techniques proven to be effective is massage therapy. Treating yourself with manipulation as part of your self-care routine will go a long way towards reducing stress, boosting your immune system, helping you sleep better at night, and allowing you to focus better during the day. It is also a proven method to reduce pain and boost mood. Massage therapy is a great way to relax and de-stress. There are a lot of positive effects of massage on a person’s mental health.

Here are some of the benefits of massage for mental health:

Decreases Stress Levels

Massage therapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress in a body and be used short-term and long-term. When pressure work is applied regularly, it works remarkably to reduce stress levels to a minimum. Applying pressure to tight muscles and soft tissue while massaging helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and other stress indicators. It is helpful for people experiencing high levels of stress because of their jobs or other factors in their lives.

Natural Boost To Dopamine And Serotonin

One of the essential parts of this type of treatment is increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in your body. These two chemicals help regulate mood and are responsible for feelings of happiness and wellbeing. A professional therapist can work out easing your tensed muscles leading to improved sleep quality after just one session. In addition, they often use scents such as lavender during treatments to help reduce stress levels even more. This enables you to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized than ever before.

Improves Focus

Many people who suffer from ADHD, anxiety disorders, or depression find that massage helps them concentrate better and focus on their tasks. Zoning out in the middle of your meetings or seminars can get you in trouble during your work hours. If your work requires you to stay alert and focused, you can try a 15-minute chair massage to boost your concentration level and stimulate cognitive abilities. When you are relieved from soreness and muscle tension, you’ll become more energized and work with a clear head.

Reduces Signs Of Depression & Anxiety

With growing materialism and lack of emotional support, depression and anxiety have become common in adults and youngsters alike. Untreated depression is a significant reason for suicides and accidents. It’s a common misconception that kneading therapies are only good for relaxing sore muscles. A single session can relieve pain and help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Massage also positively affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions such as breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. It helps regulate the ANS by releasing muscle tension which reduces symptoms of hypertension and anxiety. Many studies have also suggested that massage therapy can relieve some of the stress associated with surviving cancer.

Uninterrupted Sleep

Another benefit that therapy offers is the ability to sleep better at night. Sleep is the most critical aspect of everyone’s mental health. If you suffer from chronic sleep disorder or insomnia, you should consider using therapy. A regular massage can lead to a healthy and well-rested sleep which can improve your overall mental health. A session applied before bedtime allows muscles to relax and prepare for rest, which helps reduce sleep interruptions from muscle pain or discomfort. It also improves deep sleep by helping to reduce cortisol levels in the body that are associated with insomnia.

Relieve Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are a common headache usually caused by stress or muscle tension in the neck and shoulder area. These headaches may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or noise. Emotional conflicts and stress contribute to severe pains and trigger other contracting muscles, including the jaw, scalp, face, and neck. The good news is that this type of headache responds well to scalp massage therapy. Different studies have found that around 80% of people with tension headaches experience significant improvements after receiving therapy treatments once a week for four weeks.

Reduce Anger Issues And Irritability

Trying to control your anger issues can be extremely difficult sometimes. Getting angry or irritated by the minutest inconvenience is natural when tired, stressed, and overworked. However, you don’t want your relations to get affected due to your sudden reactions. However, getting a massage regularly can make it easier for you to deal with such emotional outbursts because of the feelings of relaxation it brings. Although massage is not a mind-cure, and severe anger issues may require professional assistance, it can help soothe your mind.

Reduces Negative Thoughts

Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and any traumatic experience can lead people to think negatively. Many people who suffer from low self-esteem feel better about themselves after a session with a good therapist. Treating such issues with massage therapy can increase emotional stability and improve self-esteem. The relaxing nature of manipulation helps you release tension, which often leads to a boost in self-confidence. It allows you to overcome challenges in your life. You’ll have a better understanding of yourself and the ability to deal with the negative emotions and stressful situations in your life.

Final Thoughts

Like physical fitness, mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. When it comes to stress, massage therapy can help a person relieve the tension and anxiety in their body and mind. Although massage therapy has many benefits, it is essential to find a therapist you can work with who will listen and understand your specific needs. A good therapist will help you find solutions to your problems and assist your overall health and wellness.