Summary: Commonly used as a form of relaxation as well as pain management., massage therapy has a profound effect on a person’s mental health as well as their physical health. Researchers have found that massage therapy has acted in reducing stress levels, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Research has stated that an increase in massage therapy can release depression and increase a person’s mood.
The reduction of depression was seen in many cases such as those with PTSD, HIV, various forms of cancer, as well as mild cases of depression. As this research continues to grow stronger, an increase in need for massage therapists has been seen. The link between mental health and massage therapy is a profound development in alternative medicine practices.
Original Article: Massage Therapy + Mental Health
Massage therapy is commonly used for relaxation and pain relief, and it can also be an effective therapy for aspects of mental health. Research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be positively affected with massage therapy.
Research shows massage therapy can help:
1) Reduce trait anxiety and depression with a course of care providing benefits similar in magnitude to those of psychotherapy.
2) Increase neurotransmitters associated with lowering anxiety and decrease hormones associated with increasing anxiety.
3) Significantly decrease heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure.
4) Reduce depression in individuals with HIV, lessen anxiety in cancer patients, reduce anxiety and depression in military veterans and lower work-related stress for nurses.
Source:http://www.amtamassage.org/articles/1/News/detail/2930
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