Massage can be a wonderful addition to your self-care regimen, whether you suffer from anxiety disorder or just experience regular tension. Massage has a calming effect that lowers cortisol levels, reduces stress and releases serotonin - this neurotransmitter helps combat feelings of depression while encouraging sleep.
A little bit about massage
Massage is a term that refers to pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments with light pressure or more intense forms of pressure. This technique may be employed for treating various conditions and disorders.
An erotic massage London has many benefits for mental health, one of which being the release of endorphins - brain chemicals responsible for feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. Low levels of endorphins can often occur in individuals suffering from mental health issues due to stress caused by such issues, leaving you feeling anxious, depressed and tense.
Another advantage of massage is an increase in blood circulation, which improves oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout your body. This can significantly enhance energy and focus levels.
It has also been known to stimulate the body's lymphatic system, which works to remove toxins, waste build-up and bacteria from your body in order to guard you against illness. This may reduce the effects of depression, anxiety, headaches and fibromyalgia.
Massaging can also help to inhibit the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which are released during times of tension and can leave you feeling stressed, anxious and exhausted. High cortisol concentrations have been linked to various physical illnesses as well as mental health issues like anxiety, depression and sleep disorders.
Studies have demonstrated that massage can significantly lower cortisol levels in your body and boost oxytocin - a hormone associated with feelings of happiness, love and calmness. Furthermore, it promotes serotonin release which has been linked to mood swings reduction, relaxation and improved sleeping patterns.
Examples of massage techniques
Massage is an ancient healing art that promotes both physical and emotional wellness. It may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Massage can also reduce cortisol, the "stress hormone," in your body and increase serotonin, commonly referred to as the 'happy chemical'. Excess cortisol may lead to various health issues like irritability, sleep disorders and weight gain.
Massage has another significant advantage; it can reduce pain. This is because massaging stimulates the nerves in muscles and tendons to heal themselves, relieving tension and stiffness.
Massage therapy can be especially beneficial for cancer patients. Not only does it reduce pain, nausea and fatigue but it can also boost their immunity. However, before getting a massage if you have cancer or any other serious illness it's best to consult your doctor first.
It is essential to determine whether the practitioner has expertise in a particular area, such as pregnancy or fertility. Some techniques can be hazardous for pregnant women and others may trigger contractions.
Massage therapy can be safe, but it's always wise to inquire beforehand about its potential risks. A certified masseuse can usually mitigate these issues; however, it's wise to ask any potential client questions regarding safety before you embark on any technique.
It is essential to note that there isn't enough high-quality research on the benefits of massage for mental health conditions, so you cannot definitively say if it will help you. Nonetheless, anecdotal evidence suggests it helps reduce symptoms and enhance well-being among those suffering from depression or anxiety.
Massage good for mental health
Massage has many advantages for mental health, such as relieving stress and improving sleep. It also increases feelings of contentment and self-assurance, creating a healthier connection with one's body.
People who have suffered trauma or are recovering from eating disorders often find that receiving regular massage therapy helps improve their body image. A skilled therapist's touch can provide a safe and secure feeling, which is essential in the healing process.
Studies have demonstrated that people who receive massage treatment on a regular basis report decreased anxiety and depression as well as increased energy levels. This may be due to the release of endorphins which promote feelings of calmness and wellbeing.
Massage has another potential benefit for improving mental health: it releases oxytocin, or "love," hormone. When people touch or hug each other, oxytocin is released and this helps foster feelings of bonding, comfort, and ease.
According to Psychology Today, the release of this hormone is linked with individual and social trust and may even reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
Many individuals with mental illnesses incorporate massage into their therapy program as it can help them sleep better, reduce anxiety or depression, and boost self-esteem and body image.
Massages can be like receiving an hour long hug! Not only do they offer you a place to escape your daily worries and fears, but they provide a soothing, caring touch as well. Furthermore, getting a massage is an opportunity to connect with your therapist and build relationships which may benefit your overall health and well-being.
You can also promote relaxation at work.
Receiving a massage before an important event, like a business meeting or the start of your new job, can help to relax you and lower cortisol levels--the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety--in your body.
Massage can also stimulate the release of endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals in your body. This may aid in improving moods and relieving symptoms associated with depression as well as other mental health conditions.
Before beginning massage therapy, discuss what areas you would like them to focus on and how often you'd like a session. Then, book an appointment with them to determine if they can accommodate your requirements.
You can also try some of the relaxation techniques listed below. Meditation is a great way to quiet your mind and unwind your body. You can find guided meditation videos online or listen to soothing sounds on a white noise machine while you meditate.
Another relaxing activity to consider is journaling, which can be therapeutic. Write about your day, goals or other things that matter to you. You could even create a vision board--a collage of images that depicts your objectives and aspirations."
It is best to practice these activities regularly so they become a habit and you can reap their benefits over time. Even if you don't see immediate changes, remember that everyone takes some time to adjust before we see any benefits from something new.
If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, it may be beneficial to swivel your chair and switch up positions periodically throughout the day. Doing this can reduce tension in muscles and provide your brain with a fresh supply of blood.
Conclusion
Massage can be an effective therapy for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, in addition to its physical advantages.
One of the key benefits of massage for mental health is its relaxation-inducing properties. Stress and anxiety can have detrimental effects on our wellbeing, such as muscle tension, an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, low back pain, decreased sleep quality, fearful thoughts or even a weakened immune system. With massage you can combat all these negative effects!
Another benefit of massage for mental health is that it helps lower the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This is important, as stress and anxiety often lead to depression which is difficult to treat.
Massage has also been known to have a beneficial effect on our mood and self-image, since it increases endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine within our bodies.
Studies have demonstrated that massage can help to lower levels of stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine in our bodies - all involved in the "fight or flight" response.
Though more research is necessary to fully comprehend the neurobiology of massage, some studies have demonstrated that it can acutely decrease hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity, boost immune function, enhance parasympathetic tone and modulate brain circuitry (32). These results suggest that massage therapy could potentially serve as an adjunctive treatment for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety disorders due to its biological mechanisms.
Ultimately, it's up to each individual whether or not they wish to incorporate massage into their mental health regimen. Regardless, it is worth exploring how it could possibly benefit you.