A Beautiful Balance: The Physical and Mental Benefits of Massage
Before receiving a massage I think it can be a great insight to recognize the many health benefits that your session can potentially provide. On a physical level, massage therapy can improve circulation by loosening the muscles to allow for increased blood flow and it can also help to reduce pain by minimizing nerve compression by way of relaxing compressed muscles and tendons. Improved sleep, enhanced immunity, and a greater range of motion are all considered to be beneficial outcomes of massage.
Personally, I tend to connect on an even deeper level with the mental health benefits massage can provide. In the past I have dealt with severe depression and anxiety that affected nearly all aspects of my life. I truly have an immense amount of sympathy for those of you out there who are also dealing with this so I am here to let you know…. massage can be a tremendous help!!
There are several hormones in the human body controlling our mood such as dopamine “the happy hormone,” serotonin “the calming hormone,” endorphins which are seen as “the body’s natural pain relievers,” and cortisol “the stress hormone.”
Research has shown that massage can aid in reduced levels of cortisol which can result in improved sleep, sharpened cognitive skills, and increased feelings of relaxation. Both depression and anxiety can have detrimental effects on one’s sleep and overall mindset which I’ve honestly experienced first hand. Racing thoughts, negative self-talk loops and excessive worrying used to keep me up for hours on end. The most immediate and effective solution when I was experiencing these extreme lows always seemed to be a shoulder or foot massage from my mom.
Several studies have indicated that massage can increase both dopamine and serotonin levels up to 30%. “Massage brain” or that “floating on air” sensation you feel after a massage is all thanks to a spike of dopamine and serotonin. Both hormones when increased can lead to improved mood, heightened productivity and clearer focus. When receiving a massage I have found that the more I allow myself to relax, let go, and disengage my mind, the mental health effects are more profound and my mood is that much more improved.
As a therapeutic practice that centers on the body, massage therapy can have a dramatic effect on both the physical and mental states of an individual. As my client I promise to do my best to not only work out all those pesky knots but also ground myself to better provide an open, positive, and relaxing atmosphere for those of you that need more that just a good stretch. I am so humbled by the work I do and I never take lightly the potential mental health benefits my massage may provide as I myself have experienced this first-hand.