Massage therapy helps multiple systems in the body. It is known to help increase circulation, improve flexibility and mobility, decrease muscle tightness and spasm and improve immune function. Lesser known is how massage therapy can impact mental health.
How Can Massage Therapy Improve Your Mental Health?
Mental health issues can include depression, anxiety, emotions related to feeling “not enough”, and more. Massage therapy is thought to help with these conditions. It is important to note that if you are dealing with a mental health condition either described above or other, you should contact your Medical Doctor as soon as possible. There are many resources out there that can help.
Massage therapy can be a very helpful adjunct to other treatments and modalities to improve mood, boost endorphins, decrease pain and ease feelings related to stress and the “fight or flight response.” Thus, massage can often get a person into the “rest and digest” aspect of the parasympathetic nervous system. This can decrease stress and cortisol levels, thus improving symptoms as well.
People choose massage therapy for ample reasons, and to improve their mood and emotional well-being is one of those reasons. If you are dealing with mental health issues, talk with your health practitioner about the benefits of massage therapy. As a massage therapist, it is often very impactful to know that you can help someone in multiple ways in order to help them reach a happy and healthy lifestyle.
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