Massage and Depression
By Colleen Miller, CMT
Much medical
research is beginning to lead to the conclusion that
massage can have a major effect in reducing the symptoms
of depression. Massage promotes relaxation and well-being.
The skin and muscles are densely packed with nerves which play
directly into the central nervous system. Massage
improves blood and lymph circulation, reduces nerve
irritation and brings fresh oxygen and other nutrients
to the affected tissues. Massage may also cause the body
to produce fewer stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine
(adrenaline), and may also increase the body's production of
pain killing endorphins and mood-altering hormone
serotonin. (Serotonin allows a person to maintain
context-appropriate behavior; that is, to do the
appropriate thing at the appropriate time.) Massage also
helps stimulate the body to eliminate toxins. This further enhances
a positive mood.
Massage has many
positive effects on depressed clients. Massage feels
good -people have believed in the healing power of touch
for ages. Research shows that premature babies that are held
tend to grow more quickly and have fewer health problems. Severely
physically or mentally ill persons who are held or
touched also tend to recover sooner. Not only does
massage help to alleviate pain and reduce stress, it
promotes healing of psychiatric problems. Child and
adolescent psychiatric patients showed more open verbal
communication, improved sleep, less depression, and lower anxiety
levels. Clinical progress increased. A lonely, depressed
person feels more alive after a massage (increase in
serotonin and oxytocin; decrease in cortisol). People
just feel better, cope more easily, and have more joy
when massaged.
Massage is one
the best known methods for warding off the detrimental
effects of stress upon the body. Make massage part of
your preventative health care plan. It can certainly help
us to better cope with, and improve, our quality of life. Revive,
refresh, and realign your body, mind, and spirit!
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