Many people suffer from different levels of mental health. As mental health conditions become more common, people are seeking for more treatment options such as massage therapy. Feelings of anxiety and depression are the most common conditions that can be reduced through a massage treatment. 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. Mental health is a person’s state of mind. Mental health is associated with psychological and emotional well-being. Mental health problems can range from the worries of everyday life to serious long term conditions. Mental health can be divided into two groups called “neurotic” or “psychotic”.
Neurotic mental health covers severe symptoms of “normal” emotions such as depression, anxiety or panic. Anxiety and depression are common problems that can be severe and long lasting and have an impact on people’s lives. A less common form of mental health is psychotic behavior. Psychotic behavior can interfere with a person’s perception of reality. 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.
Massage can be applied for relaxation purposes as well not just Remedial Massage. 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 pliability. A reduction in musculoskeletal tension can allow the individual to feel a reduction in pain and increase their range of movement and flexibility.
Massage can be extremely beneficial to an individual with mental health problems prior to a stressful event. Stressful events for an individual with mental health issues can include a business meeting, interviews or a first day at a new job. During periods of stress the body increases the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, anxiety and fear. Low levels of cortisol can enable the individual to become alert, attentive and observant during the “fight” or “flight” response. Prolonged periods of high cortisol levels can leave an individual feeling anxious, stressed and even depressed. Massage can be used to inhibit the production of cortisol which can enable the individual to feel relaxed and calm. Massage can also be used following a stressful event e.g. following a work presentation, first day at the new job or exam. Following stressful situations the body will have experienced a sudden increase in levels of adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine which are all stress related hormones involved in the body’s “fight or flight” system. Although stress hormones can be beneficial within stressful situations to become alert, aware and focused, it can be hard to relax following a stressful event when such hormones are no longer needed. The application of massage can reduce the production of stress hormones. A reduction in stress hormone levels can allow the individual to feel calm and relaxed.
Massage helps in all aspects of life. We do our best to make a positive change to help our clients with their wellbeing.
