The Mental Health Benefits of Massage


Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Unfortunately, these numbers are steadily rising, with bad news crowding the headlines, increasing performance pressures, and our devotion to electronics and social media. But there is hope for those who struggle with mental health as calming practices such as massage, exercise, and meditation become more commonplace, collectively changing millions of lives for the better.

In this article, we will focus on the mental health benefits of massage. While most know that massage is incredibly healing for our bodies, science has also found that regular massage has remarkable mental health benefits. So keep reading to learn how the simple act of receiving a massage every month can help transform your body, mind, and productivity.

6 mental health benefits of massage

  1. Reduce stress levels: Massage reduces stress levels by relaxing the muscles and triggering the release of "happy hormones" serotonin and dopamine. These hormones play a part in reducing anxiety, mood swings, and depression and decreasing the overwhelming nature of stress. Furthermore, even the simple act of taking a short break from your workload can be enough to make you feel less stressed.

    Stress levels have a significant impact on mental health. When stress becomes overwhelming or enduring, the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, and sleep problems increases. Often, reducing mental health concerns requires first decreasing your stress levels

  2. Sleep better: Massage promotes the release of serotonin in the brain, which leads to melatonin production. This hormone is essential, as it regulates sleep-wake cycles, boosts energy levels during the day and improves sleep quality and ability to fall asleep at night. Therefore, regular massage therapy is the perfect natural solution for insomnia. Plus, better sleep means you feel more rested, less tired, and happier.

  3. Reduce Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Massage therapy can be a powerful tool to add to your arsenal in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. A 2010 study looked at 17 different trials which examined the effects of massage on the mental health of people suffering from depression. Amazingly, all 17 showed that massage therapy was incredibly beneficial in alleviating symptoms of depression.

  4. Be more productive: With its calming effects, massage increases focus and mental clarity and even stimulates the mind to allow for better brain performance. This boosts productivity and reduces performance-related stress.

  5. Increase energy levels: Regular massage therapy reduces the impact of draining thoughts and emotions, such as anxiety and physical pain, and improves sleep quality. This results in an increase in energy levels and a decrease in feelings of sluggishness and "brain fog".
  6. Feel happier: Massage therapy improves the client's mental state by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels, resulting in feelings of happiness, hope, and overall improved mental health.

We hope this gives you hope

Mental health problems are incredibly frustrating. They can decrease your quality of life and make you question even the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning. While there is no magical pill that can instantly make everything better, there are things you can do to improve your symptoms, one step at a time.

Regular massage, as a part of a holistic, multi-faceted approach to healing, can make a world of difference in your day-to-day life. If you'd like to begin receiving regular massage therapy in the comfort of your home, download our app and book your next appointment. Your mind and body will thank you.

Love,

The BigToe Team


Let's begin!

app-slide