A 1992 study found that a 30-minute back massage given daily for five days reduced anxiety
of hospitalized and depressed children.
Massage Can Reduce Symptoms of Depression
Massage reduces hormone levels and induces relaxation.
It can decrease cortisol levels - which reduces stress, anxiety, pain and muscle tension.
It's a great tool to relieve pain and stress - and helps to establish healthy coping
skills. Patients receiving massage are twice as likely to report improvement in pain and function.
Overall quality of life is improved by reducing pain and improving sleep quality - deeper, more satisfying/effective
rest.
Massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure and increases blood circulation.
Study shows frequent massage sessions boost biological benefits.
The benefits of massage are cumulative.
Cortisol is known to cause stress. Decreasing cortisol can help reduce stress - while undergoing massage therapy clients significantly reduced cortisol and increased serotonin and dopamine = improvement in psychological well-being.
Massage is a non-pharmacologic intervention offering long and short term
benefits. It simply feels good! (Feels good = relaxed = outlook on life tends to improve, which can lead to the improved perceptions
of happiness and contentment and decreased levels of stress.)