Individuals receiving massage show an improvement in symptoms of anxiety in as little as 10 massage sessions, according to a new study appearing in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
The improvement in symptoms is comparable to the improvement produced by psychotherapy and medications, or both. The benefits of massage may be due to a generalized relaxation response.
Massage therapy is among the most popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for anxiety. In addition to treating generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, health benefits of massage therapy include:
• Immunity boost.
• Treatment of depression.
• Pain management.
• Stiffness.
• Blood pressure regulation.
Massage therapy can treat both physical and psychological symptoms of the disorder.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of anxiety as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.
-
-
Recent Posts
Categories
Login
Massage is very soothing and invigorating. It also incorporates the therapeutic effects of touch. If you are feeling down and blue, start your day with some exercise followed by a massage. You can do some massage yourself or you can ask a friend to give you a massage. Of course, the massage by a massage therapist is preferred. One of the most promising areas of massage research is in relation to reducing anxiety levels and improving mood. Several studies published this year offer solid validation for that claim. Other positive psychological changes often accompany the reduction in anxiety. For instance, a Swedish study of severely ill patients found two key psychological benefits to massage: a feeling of being “released from an illness for a while” and deep satisfaction resulting from the perception of “thoughtful attention.
I think anything that relaxes an individual is great as a cure for anxiety. Generally worrying becomes a habit so massage would be a good way to help break that habit.
Hi. Thanks for this information. It is great to see Alternative therapies getting better press. They can definitely help a lot of ailments including anxiety and depression. It would be helpful if you could list the scientific studies supporting these claims. I’d like to make sure that I’m up on the research, and I think will help patient’s take this information to their practitioners. Keep up the good work.
I read an article the other day about how all the big stars have panic attacks or anxiety before there shows. It really shocked me as to some of the big names like Michael Jackson and Jessica Simpson. I’ve been having attacks for a while now, and I know if they can get over them and perform in front of millions of people then surely I can get over my small attacks too.
This is great information. I often recommend many of my patients to use massage to help reduce stress and address anxiety conditions. I think many people don’t realize how much stress we hold in our bodies, and how that can build up to contribute and trigger anxiety symptoms. I am inspired by research and scientific findings but I am definitely moved by great results. And I have found massage to deliver results. Great post and info. I look forward to reading more.
Seattle Fertility Acupuncture
I agree with Dr Sinclair. More and more people are hearing about alternative therapies and learning about better ways to cure their sickness. As this happens, pharmaceutical companies will have less power which is definitely a good thing.
I precisely wanted to thank you very much again. I do not know the things I would’ve followed in the absence of these opinions shared by you relating to my topic. It truly was a very depressing setting in my view, but taking a look at a specialized form you resolved the issue took me to cry over contentment. I’m just grateful for the service and even expect you find out what an amazing job you have been doing teaching the others through the use of your website. I am sure you’ve never got to know all of us.