How Massage Can Help Treat & Eliminate Anxiety

As anxiety is becoming more common, people are seeking for more alternative treatment options such as massage therapy. It may be the ultimate in relaxation, but massage therapy benefits extend well beyond stress relief. In fact, research has shown , according to Flannery, S.(2018) Massage therapy has positive effects on everything from sciatica pain, sleep apnea, tinnitus and heart disease and anxiety. Massage provides relaxation and stress relief in the body. Massage can be a powerful tool which can fit into a treatment plan for mental health issues. Anxiety explained Research has shown according to Mind UK(2020)1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England and 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England. People with anxiety worry excessively and persistently about any number of things, For example, money, health, family, work and more. It’s generally diagnosed when a person reports being preoccupied with worry on more days than not. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling restless or constantly on edge.

• Being easily fatigued

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

• Sleep problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness or sleep that fails to refresh

Anxiety can range from mild to debilitating and may prevent those affected from enjoying social situations, pursuing work advancements, traveling or trying in new experiences.Mental health problems can affect the way you think, feel and behave. Many mental health problems can be diagnosed by a doctor and treated with medication, psychologists and massage therapy How can massage help for your mental health? At Surreal Holistic Therapy our massage therapists can provide a range of treatments catering to a wide range of circumstances. Massage is an appropriate tool to use for mental health in the following circumstances:

• Relaxation

• Prior to a stressful event

• Following a stressful event

Massage can be applied for relaxation purposes. Relaxation can come in both psychological and physiological forms. Psychological relaxation refers to the reduction in stress hormone release such as cortisol. A reduction in the level of cortisol within the blood will allow the individual to feel a reduction in anxiety, stress and depression. Physiological relaxation refers to the increase in tissue flexibility, elasticity and flexibility. A reduction in musculoskeletal tension can allow you to feel a reduction in pain and increased range of movement and flexibility. Massage also helps towards;

• Clarity of mind

• Increased energy

Massage therapy can help produce clarity of mind. When receiving a massage, you have the time to relax and reflect about current issues without any distractions,being given the opportunity to unwind can be essential to reduce stress, anxiety and avoid depression. The application of slow, long and gentle massage strokes can also enable you to experience clarity of mind. Living with anxiety can be mentally draining. The application of a high tempo massage can help to incite tired or fatigued muscles. High tempo massage can stimulate an increase in blood circulation, and cellular exchange which increases the release of oxygen and nutrients from the blood into the muscles. An increase in cellular exchange can leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Summary Our therapists at Surreal Holistic Therapy, can provide massage treatments that can benefit both your physical and psychological needs. Also massage therapy can be extremely beneficial when applied for relaxation, prior to a stressful event and following a stressful event. The application of massage can produce a number of physiological effects such as an increase in the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in tissue temperature. The benefits of massage are vast with regards to mental health and a reduction in stress, an increased clarity of mind, relaxation and increased energy.

Are you ready to make your massage therapy appointment to alleviate your mental health ? To arrange a massage to help mental health at Surreal Holistic Therapy, email us at surrealholistictherapy@hotmail.com or call us on 07758754317 Reference Mind UK(2020) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/ How Massage Can Help Treat & Eliminate Anxiety. Flannery, S.(2018) https://www.zeel.com/blog/massage/the-incredible-benefits-for-massage-on-anxiety/ Benefits of Massage-Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Anxiety, Quality of Sleep, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia. (2011)https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/561753/