Therapeutic massage has been shown to help relieve anxiety. It decreases cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters that stabilize mood.
Whether you suffer from chronic stress or want to take care of yourself, adding regular therapeutic massage can benefit you far into the future. You may find licensed massage therapists in several online directories.
Reduces Pain
During a massage, the autonomic system is stimulated, increasing the amount of positive hormones endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters offer a variety of benefits: endorphins help relieve anxiety, serotonin prevents depression, and dopamine boosts motivation and increases self-worth. Studies have shown that massage increases these hormones by up to 30% and decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
Regular massage can also reduce pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and sports injuries. This results from the elevated blood flow, which promotes healing and nourishes tissues. The blood also transports waste products from the tissue, decreasing inflammation and preventing scarring.
When a person experiences stress, their body produces cortisol, a damaging hormone that fuels the fight-or-flight response. Too much cortisol can lead to digestive problems, weight gain, headaches, low libido, and chronic pain. Studies have found that massage decreases cortisol levels which helps to ease stress and anxiety. Massage can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Decreases Emotions
Research shows massage decreases a person’s negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety. This is due to stimulating the autonomic nervous system and increasing positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.
When the body experiences significant stress, it makes cortisol, which might cause depressive and anxious sensations. Regular massages reduce cortisol production, according to studies.
The human touch of massage increases the feeling of being nurtured and safe, which decreases stress levels and feelings of anxiety. The soothing touch of a good massage also interferes with pain signals from the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.
In addition, an excellent Swedish massage bowling green causes the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which promotes a healthy self-image, confidence, and relaxation. The results of a therapeutic massage are sometimes noticed immediately after a session, including an improved attitude, more energy, and better concentration. Many people may even feel a little “massage drunk,” which is a normal reaction to the body’s increase in positive hormones.
Decreases Cortisol
Studies have shown that massage can decrease cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone and one of the reasons that people feel anxious. During a massage, cortisol is replaced with positive hormones such as endorphins and serotonin. These neurotransmitters help reduce anxiety and boost relaxation.
A person’s cortisol level is a physical and psychological response to several situations, including pain, fear, depression, fatigue, and illness. Positive situations like getting married or starting a new job can produce stress.
While regular massages are a good idea, scheduling them regularly isn’t always possible or financially feasible for most people. That said, studies show that a ten-minute massage can decrease cortisol by about 30% and encourage the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are feel-good hormones. These hormones can also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. A lack of these hormones is known to cause anxiety and stress.
Increases Endorphins
The body’s natural “feel good” neurotransmitters, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, are released during massage therapy. They help the body reduce stress, fight off pain and boost feelings of joy and well-being.
Research shows that a single massage decreases cortisol and increases levels of these positive hormones, which can lead to reduced anxiety. A lack of these hormones can increase stress, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which encourages the release of these hormones.
Another hormone released during massage is oxytocin. This is the same hormone produced during sex, breastfeeding, and other social bonding. Oxytocin also helps to stabilize blood sugar and boost immune function. It’s no wonder that people with chronic stress or those with a history of depression find relief through massage.
Author
