The last couple of years has taken their toll on the mental health of many ordinary people. COVID-19 has caused untold financial hardship for many, while uncertainty about their future and the future of family units has also had a severely detrimental effect on mental health. Increased anxiety and stress have caused many to develop a reliance on non-prescription drugs and alcohol abuse has skyrocketed in many communities. Even when prescription medication is obtained from a licensed physician there is an ever-present risk of opioid addiction, which is a serious and growing problem.
Many people are now turning away from medication that presents a very real risk of addiction. Such addictions can have far-reaching effects on not only those addicted to these drugs but also on their friends and family. Many consumers are now looking for natural alternatives to drugs and one treatment for mental health challenges that have been attracting attention is the use of massage therapy to treat anxiety and stress as well as enhanced feelings of well-being and relaxation.
But what are the other advantages of this approach and how exactly does massage therapy contribute to both mental health and a better quality of life?
Research has shown that the human touch can increase levels of the so-called “feel good” chemicals in the brain, primarily serotonin and dopamine. Massage therapy targets specific areas of the body, releasing tension that is a direct result of anxiety. The stimulation of the release of those chemicals in the brain enhances mood. However, it should be noted that therapeutic massage needs to take place regularly in order to maintain the levels of these chemicals in the brain – otherwise their effects can be fleeting.
Anxiety and stress can be caused by external factors. however, those suffering from chronic pain, or for that matter sports injuries can also suffer from mental health issues like anxiety. In the case of sports injuries, massage can also increase blood flow to damaged muscles, reducing recovery time.
In many instances, pain can be controlled through prescription medication, however, the ever-present danger of addiction is one that should not be underestimated. Without regular advice from a qualified physician abuse of opioids (for instance) can quickly assume critical levels. It has been said that America is in the grip of an opioid abuse epidemic – and according to many experts, this is no exaggeration. Massage can help decrease chronic pain, leading to an increase in quality of life – a major contributing factor to reducing mental health issues and aiding in stress management.
Aside from the effects of chronic pain, and the ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic, work-related stress has become a major factor in increasing mental health issues. These stresses have been increased by the need to work from home. Remote work situations mean that our personal lives and our professional lives can become hopelessly intertwined and that can have devastating effects on mental health. In addition, the fact of the matter is that modern life and our modern work environments have left many with insufficient time to spend simply relaxing. We are bombarded by ever-increasing amounts of information. We are faced with pressures related to personal finance and other stressors related to work. It is once again easy to fall into the trap of using anti-depressants on a regular basis.
Massage therapy can help to deal with the stresses of modern life.
A regular massage after work unknots tired and cramped muscles. It can help release those ‘feel-good’ chemicals and can simply allow us to relax and enjoy a pleasant experience. The relaxation provided by massage therapy has a longer-lasting effect as well. By relaxing we prepare our bodies and minds for a good night’s sleep and are ready to face the challenges of the next day – and those challenges include the ones we are exposed to in our professional lives.
The search for ways to increase our ability to cope with anxiety and even pain is one that has provided many with seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, a professional, qualified massage therapist can help (ask for their certification). It’s an approach that is finding increasingly wide acceptance by people in search of natural ways of dealing with stress.