Feeling Depressed? Try Getting a Massage
By Heather Piper, LMT
prove massage therapy can help to improve the symptoms of depression. Is it a remedy, or a cure for depression? That can’t be con- firmed yet, though if you feel better after a massage it certainly counts as helpful.
C Sleep
Too much sleep or not enough is a symptom of depression. One of the many perks of massage is improvement in sleep. Sleep is the time of day when your body recovers, renews, and rests. Often, people with depression have difficulties sleeping or they sleep all day to make up for the sleep they didn’t get at night. Improvements in circulation, relaxing muscles, and reduc- ing tension in the body are all benefits of massage, which may aid in getting a better night sleep.
Massage Therapy Massage therapy, or more specifi-
cally, Muscular Therapy, is the specialized form of bodywork, which I employ. Some techniques include kneading, stroking and pressure through simple movements (either passive or active), and oils or lotions to manipulate the muscles of the body. All these methods improve the circulation to the muscles and lubricate the joints, which is considered by many a positive stimulus to the body, improving mood and outlook toward life.
lients ask all the time about natural remedies for things like depression. There are recent studies, which
Stress Hormones Massage reduces the stress hormone
cortisol, which can lift your spirits, and stimulate the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. A reduction in cortisol often reduces pain levels in the body. Additionally, long-term exposure to cortisol can break down connective tissue, which is present in nearly every tissue, muscle and bone of the body. This breakdown may begin to cause pain in the muscles and joints. Neurotransmitters serotonin and do- pamine are typically feel-good hormones. Too little of these may lead to depression. Another blessing of massage is improved cir- culation. Better circulation to the brain may assist in the regulation of these hormones, which may help one to feel better.
Reduction of Pain
Massage has been proven to help reduce pain as effectively as medications, exercise and acupuncture. Clients who suffer from depression often have generalized body pain, or perhaps pain as a result of injury or surgery. They may also have pain from hours in bed or being at home and not moving their bodies. Depression so changes daily life that clients are often not able to perform daily living skills. Adding massage as a part of depression treatment can be an excellent pain reliever. Receiving a 15 minute seated massage has shown a boost in brainpower, alertness, and ability to perform tasks faster and quicker. Even the American Journal of Psychiatry agrees that massage helps to alle- viate the symptoms of depression by reduc- ing stress and inducing relaxation. Another effect of massage is manifested when the cli- ent develops a level trust with their therapist; the body thereby releasing oxytocin, which is also known as the trust hormone.
Massage is now nearly universally viewed in hospitals as positive stimulus. It is not only safe, but can also be applied for nearly anyone if performed using slow, long strokes, with oil or lotion. There are some medical conditions that require modifications for massage. Since massage has sometimes been found to exhibit just as many benefits as drug therapies, it is often recommended that it should be received outside the clinical setting as a supplement to them. Sounds like massage should be on the menu for all people, including children! I know that when clients leave the office they report feeling better and have smiles on their faces.
Massage just feels good too. Who
wouldn’t benefit from a safe and healing touch in a warm, comforting sanctuary where removed are the stresses of daily life? Don’t we owe it to ourselves the gift of what really is important; that being the physical and mental health of our bodies and minds?
Heather Piper is the owner and primary Muscular Therapist at River Bend Therapeu- tic Massage in Kennebunk Maine. She has worked at two well-known spas, The White Barn Inn, and the Cliff House Resort & Spa; she had worked with athletes and perform- ers all over New England. She is licensed to practice massage in Maine and Massachu- setts. She has a keen knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology. Heather uses her skills to assist the client’s return to physical health. She can be reached via email: heather@
ksystems.us, or at her website: riverbend-
therapeuticmassage.massagetherapy.com. See ad on page 15.
www.EssentialLivingMaine.com
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