Massage therapy enjoys a rich history throughout the world. People now use different types of massage therapy for plenty of health-related purposes. For example, in the United States, massage therapy is usually considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) even though it does have a couple of conventional uses.
There are quite a few benefits for people who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Massage therapy is a great complement to psychotherapy in order to treat certain conditions. Let’s look at a couple of conditions that massage therapy can have a positive impact on.
Neurotransmitter and Hormone Balance
There has been plenty of research done which has demonstrated that massaged therapy activates neurotransmitters that can decrease anxiety and lower stress hormone levels. Researchers conducted a study at the University of Miami School of Medicine and found that massage therapy had positive effects on people who experience different mental health issues such as depression and stress and eating disorders. The researchers observed a 30% increase in serotonin and dopamine levels in participants who underwent massage therapy. In addition to this, they also observed a reduction in the hormone which is responsible for stress – cortisol. The results speak for themselves as they encourage an increase in feel-good neurotransmitters as well as a decrease in stress.
Blood pressure and Circulatory Issues
Massage therapists are excellent at lowering a patient’s heart rate as well as their systolic (pumping) and diastolic (resting) heart blood pressure. Results of a study conducted at Iran’s Isfahan’s University of Medical Sciences are promising. The study compared two groups of 25 women. The first group received 10-15 minutes of Swedish massage thrice a week for a total of 10 sessions. The second group relaxed in the same environment but did not receive massages. The researchers found that the massage caused a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure which lasted for as long as three days after treatment. In addition to the above study, a researcher at the University of South Florida studied the effects of back massages on hypertension and observed reductions in blood pressure in participants who received massages. The reductions persisted for as long as two days after treatment.
Depression and Anxiety
The two most common mental health issues in the world are depression and anxiety. Both of these can negatively impact lives. There have been plenty of studies which have shown that massage therapy can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, 17 scientific studies were reviewed by researchers at Taiwan’s E-Da Hospital and College of Medicine. The scientific studies involved 786 people and the findings revealed that massage therapy had plenty of positive benefits for people experiencing depression and also led to a reduction in symptoms.
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In Home or In Office Massages by Jacqueline in the Central Florida area. Certified for many different massages and treatments. Specializing in Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) post surgery recovery massage.
To schedule an appointment with Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Jacqueline Bosco CMLDT, Oncology, please call (813) 298-5603. We believe nothing is more important than human touch.
Providing massage services to patients in The Villages FL, Sumter County, Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Bushnell and surrounding areas in Florida.