Anxiety, Depression and Massage

Images of people can suffer from physical pain from the muscle tension brought on by depression and anxiety. 

I believe massage to be part of healthy living and when applied towards anxiety and depression it can be a resource of great benefit which soothes the mind and the body. Receiving therapeutic touch for the purposes of returning to a place of well-being is a worthy endeavor. Isn’t every effort to restore balance and peace worthy?

I would like to invite those suffering from depression and anxiety to explore a world of natural remedies.

Not all conventional approaches to these issues are bad. At times antidepressant drugs are needed as well as tranquilizers. However, natural approaches such as massage can merge with these solutions. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if eventually the person was liberated from the dependency of drugs and could continue to implement a wellness routine?

For depression, massage can be a deeply comforting therapy. Depression invades the mind with thoughts of feeling unloved or unworthy. But when the hand touches skin in a respectful and kind way that sends a message saying “you are noticed, you are of value.” In the person’s mind this can help with coping with negative thoughts.

Perhaps the person with depression has suffered a tragic loss and is experiencing a pain so deep that words may seem futile. They may struggle to return to socializing and massage can gently coax them into a place of being around people once again. Oftentimes, words cannot be spoken but in massage, there is an acceptance of the person’s presence without the pressure of having to speak, perform or fix anything.

In the case of anxiety, the nerves on the surface of the skin are soothed by a massage. Pressure that is firm enough for comfort yet light enough to not inflict pain can be an incredibly therapeutic experience. Similar to the way a child is soothed by the stroking of a forehead or hair when they are ill such may be the effect of a massage for the person suffering from anxiety.

The nerves of the body detect the relaxing motion of a therapist’s touch which in turn sends a signal to the brain to follow suit and slow down. The anxious person feels as though their thoughts are running at a mile a minute and the slow and steady cadence of a massage assist in reducing the agitated mind.

Other therapies to consider when depression and anxiety arise.

Cardiovascular exercise- any movement that gets your heart pumping! This produces endorphins and helps you feel good. Plus, it produces a healthy “tiredness” at the end of the day, helping you sleep deeper.

Sunlight- for depression and anxiety spending time outdoors is crucial. Thirty minutes a day in sunlight you can tolerate will not only activate vitamin D in your system but will also elevate your mood. Sweating outdoors is also healthy for you as well.

Aromatherapy- Include it in your massage or use it at home. There is no doubt that some essential oils are wonderfully pleasant to smell and have the ability to bring you into a state of bliss. I love orange as an uplifting scent whenever I want to feel refreshed and happy. But there are so many scents to choose from. Have fun exploring them and use them to help your mood.

When treating anxiety and depression, speaking with a mental health therapist can also be an excellent source to resolve deeper issues. I am confident that by applying as many natural therapies to assist with your treatment can produce much faster results.