Massage for anxiety and stress

In our fast changing world, anxiety has become a common part of our day. The Australian Institute of Health and Wellness show that 1 in 6 people are affected with anxiety disorders in their lifetime.

How can anxiety affect your physical health?

Mental and physical anxiety often arise simultaneously. For instance, when a person is anxious muscles contract or shorten, leading to discomfort or pain. Additionally, high levels of the stress hormone cortisol may increase a sufferer’s sensitivity to pain. Anxiety can also lead to poor diet and nutrition, hydration, sleep patterns and exercise, which can cause physical symptoms, and as a result exacerbate their anxiety.

Can massage help with your anxiety?

Massage is known to be a great relaxation tool. A study demonstrated the effects of massage, before and after. The researcher was able to show that massage is able to reduce anxiety and stress levels. This was displayed by decreased in blood pressure and ease in breathing. Skin to skin contact during massage was shown to be quite important, yielding much better results than when therapists wore gloves during massage treatment.

Massage can be a very important and powerful addition to treatment for sufferers of anxiety disorders. We don’t recommend massage as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Please consult a health professional before proceeding forward with a treatment plan.