Stress and Anxiety can be Managed with Massage Therapy

Regular massages can significantly reduce stress and anxiety

Massage is widely used in all cultures to evoke feelings of deep relaxation and reduce anxiety. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage may be related to changes in EEG activity, decreased cortisol levels, and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which automatically works to calm the body and brain under stress.

Many studies show that moderate pressure massage is more effective than a light massage in reducing pain associated with various medical conditions, including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Massaging with moderate pressure also improves attention and boosts the body's immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer cells. Functional imaging studies of the brain show that changes occur in many areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation and response to stress, including the amygdala and hypothalamus. For an excellent review of massage therapy research data, see Field's "Research Review of Massage Therapy" (Field 2014).

Challenges to designing studies on massage

It is difficult to assess the beneficial effects of massage therapy using contemporary research methods because it is not possible to design a double-blind study in which the massage recipient is "blind" to the treatment. In addition, the physical and psychological benefits of massage are difficult to quantify in controlled trials. The results of many studies are limited by the lack of a sham control group, i.e. one treated by someone posing as a massage therapist but without training. The situation is further complicated by the fact that very few massage therapists are trained in research methods or work in institutional settings where sham-controlled trials can be conducted.

Massage is widely used for anxiety and has a strong record of success

Although there is little published research evidence, regular massage is a technique widely used in many cultures for the treatment of chronic stress and anxiety and deserves special attention. Consistent anecdotal evidence, a long history of the widespread use of massage for stress relief, and positive results from open trials support the view that regular massage therapy reduces the severity of moderate chronic anxiety in general and especially when the anxiety is related to test-taking. or solve problems, stress at work, or anticipate invasive medical procedures.

In my own clinical experience working with patients who complain of chronic stress, test-related stress, and generalized anxiety, regular massage therapy is effective in reducing anxiety, improving emotional resilience and improving the overall sense of well-being in patients with anxiety.

Few safety issues

Massage is safe when performed by a trained therapist, rarely resulting in injury. However, people with chronic pain or other conditions related to the musculoskeletal system should consult a doctor before receiving conventional massage therapy.

Choosing the right therapist to do your massage is also essential, and it's better to consult with a professional therapist. In Sophia’s Health Massage, you can find several kinds of massage, remedial, relaxation, deep tissue massage or even waxing. If you don't know which message you need, Sophia’s Health Massage therapist will help you decide it.