Massage therapies are well-known for their benefits on physical health: a good massage with a licensed practitioner can leave you feeling energised and renewed. But, getting those knots out of your back and relieving aches and pains isn’t all that a massage is good for. Did you know that getting a massage can be a very effective method of improving your mental health and wellbeing? Here are the top reasons to get a massage when it comes to looking after your mental health.
Reason #1. It Reduces Stress
There’s no denying that many massage therapies can be truly relaxing; you might even want to fall asleep whilst lying on the table! Since massage therapy helps your body to relax physically, it also has an effect on your mind, helping to calm any racing thoughts in your head and put your worries into a clearer perspective. When people suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, it can often be very difficult for them to allow themselves to relax. But, it’s difficult to have a massage without relaxing! So, this can be a great way to reduce your stress levels, which will, in turn, boost your mood. You can visit heavenandearthmassage.co.uk and book your relaxing massage treatment today.
Reason #2. Improve Your Sleep
Many mental health issues go hand in hand with sleep problems. Issues falling asleep or even the opposite problem of sleeping far too often, are often symptoms of common mental health complaints, such as major depressive disorders or generalised anxiety disorder. Even high-stress levels, which are not categorised as a mental health disorder, can leave your mind racing at night and make it difficult for you to wind down and drift off. Since having a massage helps you to relax, you can count on a much better sleep that night. If you are currently suffering from a problematic sleeping pattern, then going for a massage can help you get the good night’s sleep that you deserve and get you back on track for a normal sleep pattern in the future.
Reason #3. It Can Relieve Depression Symptoms
Depression is a common mental health complaint that is typically characterised by feelings of constant sadness, worthlessness, and little sense of purpose or enjoyment. Many patients with depression find it difficult to enjoy the things that they once used to love taking part in, and some may even find it difficult to do everyday tasks, such as showering or making themselves a meal. Depression is thought to be caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain, specifically the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood. Studies have shown that doing something enjoyable or relaxing can actually increase serotonin levels in the brain; in turn, this will lead to the alleviation of depression symptoms. A Canadian study found that patients with depression who received two half-hour long massages over a course of five weeks reported significantly lower symptoms.
Have you experienced better mental health or wellbeing after a massage? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
