Are you feeling anxious? A massage may be just what you need. Massage therapies have been used for centuries in all cultures to aid in many medical conditions, including mental health issues such as depression and extreme anxiety.
Research has shown that regular massages paired with the standard treatment for anxiety can reduce the symptoms of this condition and induce a deep sense of relaxation. If you struggle with anxiety, learn how therapeutic massages can benefit you in this blog.
What Are the Best Massages for Anxiety?
Getting a massage might not be the first thing that enters your mind when thinking about reducing anxiety. But a therapeutic massage has proven effective in loosening tense muscles and, thus, deserves thoughtful consideration.
Studies indicate that different types of massage can lessen or eliminate feelings of anxiety. Here are three of them:
- Swedish Massage – uses long strokes, kneading, and deep, circular movements to achieve full-body relaxation and calm thoughts
- Deep Tissue Massage – relieves muscle tension caused by anxiety using a firm touch;
- Hot Stone Massage – involves long gliding motions with heated stones to ease muscle soreness
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Alleviating anxiety is not the sole benefit of therapeutic massages. These kinds of massages can also aid in:
- Lowering the stress hormone cortisol and calming your mind
- Reducing both physical and emotional pain
- Relieving muscle tension and soreness
- Alleviating sleep disturbances
- Activating the happy hormones that promote positive feelings
Of course, the above advantages further reduce signs of anxiety and provide a sense of relief.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
While enjoying massage therapy, the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex is activated – the part of our brain involved in emotional processing and responsible for keeping us feeling good. During a massage, our body releases chemicals like endorphins, as well.
These situations relieve pain and boost your mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, one massage session of 60 minutes can lower the stress hormone cortisol by up to 30%, relieving you from anxious feelings.
In addition to calming your mind, massage therapy lessens muscle tension and sleep disturbances and improves blood circulation and flow, placing your body in a relaxed state.
Regular massage is also proven to help those suffering from high blood pressure. Finally, this alternative treatment is soothing for individuals with insomnia, helping them get a good night’s sleep.
Does Massage Therapy Reduce Symptoms Right Away?
In general, massage therapy can be an effective adjunctive treatment for anxiety. It helps the body relax, which, in turn, helps calm your anxious thoughts. But while you may experience all these benefits immediately, it will likely take several massage sessions to reduce anxiety in the long term.
Get Started Today with Seattle Massage Oasis
Massage is considered a luxurious treatment. However, in these stressful modern times, therapeutic massages have become somewhat of a necessity.
Thanks to its calming properties, massage therapy can help ease worries and nerve-wracking thoughts. If you feel anxious, several types of massages at Seattle Massage Oasis can offer relief.
From Swedish and Deep Tissue massage to our newest Himalayan Hot Salt Stone massage, our experienced practitioners ensure powerful results and a lasting difference in your anxiety. Contact us to get started today!
