How Massage Therapy Can Help Your Emotional Wellness

How Massage Therapy Can Help Your Emotional Wellness How Massage Therapy Can Help Your Emotional Wellness

Massage therapy can help patients recover from injuries, ease muscle tension, and overcome pain. But, along with its benefits for your physical health, massage therapy can benefit your emotional wellness too! 

What is Massage Therapy?

This is therapy involves manipulating the muscles and other soft tissues for a variety of benefits. In addition to relieving pain, this therapy promotes relaxation, increases energy levels, and bolsters the immune system.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Emotional Health

It can support your emotional wellness by providing relief from stress, anxiety, and even depression. Here’s how:

Higher Serotonin and Dopamine Levels

Research has shown that after therapy, patients have higher levels of the neurotransmitters, serotonin, and dopamine. These naturally-occurring chemicals have a significant impact on your mood. 

  • Serotonin

Serotonin promotes feelings of happiness and general wellbeing. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health conditions. When serotonin levels are balanced, people generally feel calmer, happier, more emotionally balanced, and focused.  

  • Dopamine 

Dopamine impacts how you feel pleasure. It also impacts motivation, learning, and focus. Low levels of dopamine are known to contribute to mental health conditions including ADHD and schizophrenia. 

By increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body, therapy can help balance out your mood, improve your focus, and give you a general sense of wellbeing. 

Decreased Cortisol Levels 

This therapy has also been found to lower the levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is known as the body’s main stress hormone. It increases energy levels to help you manage stressful situations. However, if cortisol levels don’t decrease after a stressful situation has passed, it can cause anxiety, depression, and related mental health conditions. 

By reducing cortisol levels, massage therapy has a calming effect and can ease feelings of fear or tension. 

Family Medical Centers provide expert massage therapy to help improve your mental and physical health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!