Massage Therapy and Mental Health: Can One Help The Other?
February 14, 2022
389 viewsMany people suffer from different levels of mental health. People are seeking new treatment choices, such as massage therapy, as mental health disorders become increasingly frequent.
What is Massage for Mental Health?
Mental health refers to a person's mental state. Psychological and emotional well-being are linked to mental health. Mental health issues can range from minor annoyances to major long-term disorders. There are two types of mental illnesses: "neurotic" and "psychotic." Neurotic mental health encompasses the most severe manifestations of "normal" emotions like despair, worry, and panic. Anxiety and depression are widespread problems that can be severe and linger for a long time, affecting people's lives. Psychotic behaviour is a less prevalent kind of mental illness. Psychotic behaviour can cause a person's perspective of reality to be distorted. Mental health issues can have an impact on how you think, feel, and act. A doctor can identify many mental health issues and treat them with medication, psychologists, and massage.When Can Massage Help for Mental Health?
Our massage therapists can give a variety of treatments to suit a variety of needs. Massage is an effective therapy for improving mental health in the following situations:Relaxation
Massage can be used to help people relax. Both psychological and physiological relaxation is possible. The reduction in stress hormone release, such as cortisol, is referred to as psychological relaxation. An individual will experience less worry, stress, and sadness if the level of cortisol in their blood is reduced. The increase in tissue flexibility, elasticity, and pliability is referred to as physiological relaxation. Reduced musculoskeletal tension can help people experience less pain and have more range of motion and flexibility.Prior to a Stressful Event
Prior to a stressful event, massage can be incredibly beneficial to someone with mental health issues. A business meeting, interviews, or the first day at a new job can all be stressful situations for someone with mental health concerns. During times of stress, the body produces more cortisol, a hormone linked to anxiety, worry, and terror. During the "fight" or "flight" response, low cortisol levels might help an individual become more alert, focused, and observant. High cortisol levels for lengthy periods of time can make a person feel worried, stressed, and even sad. Massage can help to reduce cortisol production, allowing the person to feel more relaxed and peaceful. Massage can be utilised after a stressful event, such as a work presentation, the first day at a new job, or an exam.Following a Stressful Event
The body will have experienced a quick surge in levels of adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine, all stress-related hormones involved in the body's "fight or flight" mechanism, following stressful conditions. Although stress hormones can help you stay attentive, aware, and focused in stressful situations, it can be difficult to relax after a traumatic experience when you don't need them. Massage therapy can help to lower the production of stress hormones. A decrease in stress hormone levels can make a person feel calm and relaxed.What Physiological Effects Does a Massage Have on One's Mental Health?
Massage therapy can have a variety of physiological effects, including:Increased Endorphins Serotonin and Dopamine
Endorphins like serotonin and dopamine are released when you massage. Endorphins are released when a person is happy or relaxed. Low levels of endorphins are prevalent in those who are dealing with a mental health problem because of the stress that comes with it. Negative thoughts, worry, stress, and sadness are all connected to low endorphin levels. Massage can cause an increase in endorphin production by activating the autonomic nervous system. Increased amounts of endorphins like serotonin and dopamine can make a person feel more upbeat, energetic, and calm.Decreased Cortisol
Cortisol production can be reduced by massage. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released when a person is under threat. Anxiety, stress, and depression are all connected to high cortisol levels. Massage can help to lower cortisol levels by encouraging calm. Cortisol levels that are reduced might make a person feel peaceful, relaxed, and cheerful.Increased Temperature
Massage can raise the temperature of the tissues. The stimulation of increased blood circulation results in an increase in tissue temperature. Vasodilation results in an increase in blood circulation. Vasodilation is when the smooth muscles that surround blood vessels relax, allowing the vessels to expand. Increased blood circulation warms tissues, helping them to relax. Increased tissue temperature can result in increased flexibility, elasticity, and pain reduction.What Are The Benefits of a Massage for Mental Health?
Symptoms of mental health can have many negative effects. Massage can aid with symptom relief and mood enhancement. Massage provides a wide range of mental health advantages, including:Mental Clarity
A massage therapy can aid in mental clarity. When getting a massage, the person gets the opportunity to relax and think about present concerns or issues without being interrupted. The use of slow, lengthy, and soft massage strokes can help the individual achieve mental clarity. Physio.co.uk's pleasant and approachable therapists are also glad to listen to any problems or concerns that need to be discussed and voiced.Reduced Stress
Massage might help you feel less stressed. High levels of stress and worry can be experienced by those who have mental health problems. To avoid further health problems, the individual should devise a strategy for controlling and reducing stress levels. Massage can increase the production of endorphins, which are responsible for mood control, stress relief, and relaxation. The increased amounts of endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine allow the person to feel less stressed.Relaxation
Massage can help an individual relax both physically and psychologically. Reducing muscular tension and raising tissue temperature are two ways to attain physical relaxation. The application of moderate to deep massage strokes can modify the soft tissue to eliminate adhesive connections between the muscular fibres, resulting in physical relaxation. Vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, is stimulated by the use of such procedures. Massage increased the warmth of the tissues by increasing blood circulation. The stimulation of relaxing hormones and endorphins like serotonin and dopamine can help with psychological relaxation. The release of these endorphins makes a person feel calm, relaxed, and serene.Increased Energy
Massage might help you feel more energised. Living with a mental illness can be exhausting. A high-intensity massage can help to energise sluggish or exhausted muscles. High-intensity massage can boost blood circulation and cellular exchange, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to flow from the blood into the muscles. An increase in cellular interaction might make a person feel more energised and rejuvenated.Summary
We can provide massage treatment that is beneficial in both a physical and psychological sense to someone managing a mental health problem. When used for relaxation, prior to a stressful event, or after a stressful event, massage can be incredibly therapeutic. Massage has a variety of physiological effects, including an increase in endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine release, a drop in cortisol levels, and an increase in tissue temperature. Massage has a wide range of mental health advantages, including reduced stress, enhanced mental clarity, relaxation, and increased energy. If you’re looking for a massage centre that provides you with the best massage services with the best prices, Winston Hills Herbal and Massage Centre is your right place. Contact them now and book an appointment:☎️ 0407 192 708
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Source: physio.co.uk
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