Is Massage Good For Anxiety? (Answered)

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that’s common in the United States of America today. 

Records show that anxiety affects approximately 6.8 million Americans. Also, females are twice as likely to be affected as males. 

This disorder develops slowly and can occur at any age, especially between childhood and early adulthood.

Over the past few decades, we have seen the introduction of several medical options to combat anxiety. And one of such effective ways to deal with this mental condition is massage therapy.

So Is Massage Good For Anxiety?

Yes, Massage therapy is good for anxiety because it has a calming effect that reduces anxiety symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, muscle tension, restlessness, and many others.

Does Massage Help Anxiety

Can massage help with anxiety? 

Yes, massage therapy can help with anxiety but will not cure it. This is because anxiety is a severe mental disorder that cannot be cured. However, it can be managed through different treatment methods specific to a patient’s unique condition.

So, how can massage help anxiety?

Mentioned below are five effective ways massage can help with anxiety. They’re as follows:

1. It improves your sleep quality
2. It improves your immune system
3. It releases endorphins and hormones
4. It enables you to stay connected
5. It decreased heart rate and blood pressure

#1. It Improves Your Sleep Quality

Getting regular massage lowers your heart rate and cortisol level. As a result, you find it easier to fall asleep and experience more extended periods of deep sleep. This also helps to decrease the neurotransmitter associated with pain.

#2. It improves Your Immune System

Massage can promote your body’s white blood cells activity level, which helps to fight against viruses. This is vital for anxiety sufferers since a high cortisol level can be detrimental to their body’s immune system.

#3. It Releases Endorphins And Hormones

Massaging your body help to release a sleu of good neurohormones produced by your nervous system. From oxytocin to serotonin to dopamine, these neurohormones can significantly help lower anxiety symptoms and leave you feeling mentally balanced. 

#4. It Helps You Feel Connected

Physical touch can help connect strangers, just as physical touch can deepen the bond of married couples. For example, regularly undergoing massage sessions enable you to build trust and connection with your massage therapist. 

Consequently, this promotes the release of endorphins, particularly helpful for those dealing with stress and anxiety.

#5. It Decreased Heart Rate And Blood Pressure

It’s well known that getting regular massages allows your body and mind to relax. Hence your heart rate and blood pressure slow down when getting this therapy. This will enable you to manage your anxiety and stress with a measure of calmness.

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Anxiety?

How often you should get a massage for your anxiety is dependent on several factors, including the massage type you prefer and the body part of the focus. 

Moreso, several studies recommend a specific massage duration and frequency to combat underlying health issues like injury or pain.

Nevertheless, I suggest you consult with a doctor and massage therapist to know how often you should get a massage to address your anxiety needs.

If you can’t afford regular massages because they’re expensive, I recommend you get a massage gun which happens to be a cheaper alternative. Massage guns are as effective as receiving a massage in the management of anxiety and other stress-related conditions.

One of the cost-effective guns that would enhance your massage experience is the Opove M3 pro. I have used this recovery tool, and you can click here to read my honest reviews about the device.

Self-Massage For Anxiety

When you’re feeling anxious, you may decide to use your hands to massage yourself to lower your anxiety level. 

However, self-massage for anxiety is limited because your hands can only reach certain parts of your body. This can restrict your strokes from reaching the larger muscles, thereby reducing the positive effect of self-massage. 

Even though self-massage comes with its unique benefits, it’s best to visit a massage therapist to reduce your anxiety than to opt for a self-massage treatment.

What Type Of Massage Helps Anxiety?

Many massage types have been found effective in managing anxiety and other stress-related issues. Below are different types of massage that can help reduce your anxiety:

• Shiatsu massage
• Swedish Massage
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Deep tissue Massage
• Hot stone Massage
• Sports Massage
• Chair Massage
• Gun Massage
• Thai Massage therapy
• Trigger point massage

So what’s the best massage for anxiety?

The Shiatsu massage is the best massage for anxiety. This Japanese massage style can help you feel relaxed and calm. Studies also show that Shiatsu massage can help to alleviate stress, depression and promote physical and emotional calm.

What Are The Risk Factors For Anxiety

National Institute of Mental Health states that the risk factors for anxiety include the following:

• Elevated cortisol or stress hormone levels in the afternoon
• Low economic status
• A family history of anxiety conditions or other mental health disorders
• Being divorced or widowed
• Being shy in childhood
• Exposure to stressful life events, like the loss of a close friend or relative

What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety

Mentioned below are some of the symptoms associated with anxiety:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Restlessness and irritability
• Feelings of fear, panic, or worry
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Feeling a lack of control
• Headaches, nausea, digestive concerns, and muscle tension

Which Massage Is Best For Relaxation

The Swedish massage is the best massage type for relaxation. This type of massage can help to calm, de-stress and relax your body and mind.

Swedish massage is suitable for individuals who’ve had a busy month or week as it helps their bodies to recharge. 

Furthermore, Swedish massage therapy is a pain-free treatment, and also an effective way to ease your mind and body of all kinds of anxiety.

Final Words

Can massage help with anxiety? 

Yes, massage therapy can help manage anxiety. Additionally, a research study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety shows that people who were massaged regularly for three months saw their anxiety symptoms reduced by 50%.

And the amazing thing was that the effect wasn’t short-lived!

Furthermore, this article shows that massage is an effective treatment method to manage your level of anxiety and other related issues.

Finally, there’s a saying that goes like this: “loving is sharing.”

Hence, kindly share this article with anyone that’s suffering from this mental illness called anxiety!