While it is important to note that massage therapy is not a replacement for any traditional healthcare, it is increasingly recognized as a low risk, complementary treatment for various psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, and stress. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published article Massage Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders by Rapaport et al. (2018) provides a comprehensive review of our understanding of how massage therapy can benefit those suffering from these mental health conditions. This blog post explores key insights from the article, focusing on how massage therapy may alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress.
The Connection Between Psychiatric Disorders and Massage Therapy
Psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent and have significant impacts on individuals’ quality of life. Traditional treatments, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, do not always achieve full remission, and many patients seek complementary treatments. According to Rapaport et al. (2018), massage therapy has emerged as a popular alternative, with a growing body of evidence suggesting it can play a significant role in managing psychiatric symptoms for anxiety, stress, and depression.
How Massage Therapy Alleviates Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms by influencing the body’s neurobiology. Rapaport et al. (2018) highlight several studies that demonstrate how massage can decrease anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction.
One study cited in the article involved participants with generalized anxiety disorder receiving regular massage sessions, which led to significant improvements in both clinician and self-reported anxiety measures (Rapaport et al., 2018). These findings suggest that massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, offering both physiological and psychological benefits.
The Impact of Massage on Depression Symptoms
Depression is another major psychiatric disorder that can severely affect an individual’s life. While traditional treatments are essential, many patients do not respond fully to these methods, necessitating additional approaches. The NIH article by Rapaport et al. (2018) discusses how massage therapy may alleviate symptoms of depression through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which are often elevated in individuals with depression, while simultaneously boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation (Rapaport et al., 2018). Additionally, the article notes that massage can increase immune function, which is often compromised in individuals with depression, potentially leading to better overall health and resilience.
Stress Reduction Through Massage Therapy
Stress is a significant contributor to both anxiety and depression, and managing stress is crucial for mental well-being. Rapaport et al. (2018) describe how massage therapy helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, particularly by enhancing parasympathetic activity, which is responsible for the body’s rest and digest functions.
The article discusses studies where participants experienced a reduction in salivary cortisol levels and an increase in relaxation-associated brain wave patterns following massage therapy sessions. This indicates that massage therapy not only helps alleviate the immediate physiological responses to stress but also contributes to longer-term stress management (Rapaport et al., 2018).
Integrating Massage Therapy with Conventional Treatments
While massage therapy offers significant benefits, Rapaport et al. (2018) emphasize that it should be used as a complementary treatment rather than a replacement for traditional psychiatric care. Collaboration between mental health professionals and massage therapists is an important consideration to maximize the therapeutic outcomes for patients. By integrating massage therapy into a broader treatment plan, patients can experience enhanced relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Massage Therapy Can Help Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
The NIH-published article by Rapaport et al. (2018) underscores the potential of massage therapy as an effective complementary treatment for psychiatric disorders. Through its impact on neurobiology, immune function, and the autonomic nervous system, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress. For individuals seeking alternative or supplementary treatments to conventional psychiatric care, massage therapy provides a promising option that can improve mental and physical well-being.
About Body Euphoria Massage Therapy
Located in the heart of Logan Square, Chicago, Body Euphoria Massage Therapy is dedicated to providing a serene and inclusive space for relaxation and healing. Our licensed therapist, Madison VanZwieten, offers personalized massage services tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re seeking relief from stress, anxiety, depression, or just want to enjoy a moment of tranquility. Explore our range of services, including Swedish, deep tissue, and cupping massages, to find the perfect treatment for you.
Check out our Massage Services and schedule a massage at our Massage Studio in Logan Square, Chicago, where personalized massage care in a serene environment await to help you unwind and reduce stress.
Editorial Review:
Reviewed and edited by Madison VanZwieten and Kevin Williams. While we are not medical professionals, this article references expert analysis in a concise and informative manner. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, please email us at bodyeuphoriamassagetherapy@gmail.com.
References
Rapaport MH, Schettler PJ, Larson ER, Carroll D, Sharenko M, Nettles J, Kinkead B. Massage Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2018 Jan;16(1):24-31. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.20170043. Epub 2018 Jan 24. PMID: 31975897; PMCID: PMC6519566.
