Benefits of massage therapy for stress & anxiety

Massage Therapy can be extremely beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety, or are under consistent stress. Humans often feel some level of stress on a daily basis, however, if this stress becomes prolonged or it starts to interfere with daily life, it can turn into an anxiety disorder.  People that have been diagnosed with anxiety often have to cope with not only psychological symptoms, but physical symptoms as well. Psychologically, anxiety can cause excessive or irrational worry, unnecessary fear, metal restlessness, and unwanted thoughts. As if that wasn’t enough to deal with on a daily basis, the physical symptoms resulting from that mental distress can be equally as draining. Many people aren’t aware of how physically harmful anxiety can be for the body, as the focus is usually on the mental state. Physically, anxiety can cause extreme fatigue, areas of pain and tension such as the back, neck, or jaw, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, decreased immunity, and digestive issues. These are only a few examples because of course everyone is affected differently. Left untreated for a prolonged period of time, these symptoms can worsen and lead to other health issues, which is why it is so important to find ways to cope with daily stressors before they start to affect the body. Massage can be a natural way to find stress and anxiety relief.

How massage affects the nervous system

When a person has anxiety, or is under consistent stress their sympathetic nervous system (SNS), a sub-branch of the autonomic nervous system, is constantly active. This branch is stimulated when the body thinks it is in danger, however, the body has a hard time distinguishing danger from everyday stress and worries. When the SNS is active, the body is in a continual state of “fight or flight.” This state causes the heart rate to increase and the restorative functions of the body to be put on hold so the body can deal with the perceived danger. If the SNS is constantly activated over a significant period of time, the anxiety symptoms listed above are likely to develop. One of the benefits of massage is the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) through therapeutic touch. The PNS is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions. When the PNS is stimulated, the heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, the breath returns to a normal resting rhythm, and the body prepares for digestion. When the body is in a parasympathetic state, it is allowed to heal and reset so it can function properly and efficiently. Allowing the body to return to a resting state through an hour of massage can put one’s worries in perspective.  It is not a cure for a diagnosed anxiety disorder, but stimulating the PNS through massage allows the body to restore itself which can reduce anxiety symptoms.

How massage affects the muscular system

Massage not only positively affects the nervous system, but the muscular system as well. Stress, anxiety, and pain are closely related ailments. As mentioned before, muscle aches and pains are common for people with anxiety. Massage can help relieve the tension that causes these discomforts through muscle and tissue manipulation. Muscle pain relief is achieved when tissues that are tense, tight, or compressed are returned to their normal resting position, which can be achieved through direct manual therapy. Massage has also been proven to have a positive effect on headaches and migraines, which are common complaints for those with consistent tension. Headaches can occur because tense muscles of the neck put pressure on nerves and blood vessels in that area, which causes restricted blood flow and pain in the face, neck, and head. These muscles can be specifically targeted during a massage and the pressure can be relieved and normal function restored.

Overall, massage has many different positive effects on the body, but for a person struggling with an anxiety disorder, it can be a useful tool in achieving relief and managing anxiety symptoms.