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WISDOM FROM WITHIN

THE ALCHEMIST'S BLOG

Massage for Mental Health

3/24/2019

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by Sarah Spruill
Picture
When most people think about massage and therapeutic bodywork they think about the physical benefits of pain relief and healing. Beyond that, many think of massage as an immensely relaxing, calming experience. Although all these things are true, there are many more positive benefits from massage. One of these that many are unaware of is the positive effect massage can have on our mental health in addition to physical health.

Massage in itself is a great opportunity for relaxation which can be beneficial to our mental health; however, massage can go beyond simple relaxation. The benefits of massage for mental health purposes have been researched and studied for years. A recent 2010 analytical study of 17 clinical trials found that massage therapy may aid in reducing depression. The study included 786 participants who received massage therapy as an interventional treatment for clinical depression. This intervention proved to be effective as “all trials showed positive [effects] of massage therapy on depressed people.” The clinical trial concluded that “massage therapy is significantly associated with alleviated depressive symptoms.”

Not only can those of us living with depression find benefits from massage, but anxiety disorders have also been shown to benefit from massage therapy. Another 2010 clinical research trial found that massage is equally effective in lessening the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder as breathing exercises and a calming environment. The trial concluded that massage is an effective complementary and alternative medical treatment for anxiety. Each year there is more and more cutting-edge research on the topic of massage therapy for mental health benefits.

Massage has countless benefits and for our minds bodies and spirits, and can be the perfect moment for us to quiet our minds and be present for ourselves. Be it for simple relaxation or as a tool to potentially help alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety, massage therapy can have a place in everyone’s lives. For more information about the benefits of massage and differently modalities offered please visit Alchemy Healing Arts Center’s website or give a call to 410-263-1272.

  1.  Hou WH, Chiang PT, Hsu TY, et al. Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2010;71(7):894–901.
  2. Hou WH, Chiang PT, Hsu TY, et al. Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2010;71(7):894–901.
  3. Sherman KJ, Ludman EJ, Cook AJ, et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Depression and Anxiety. 2010;27(5):441–450.
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    Alchemy's Authors

    Owner Amelia Mitchell, brings her years of experience as a therapist as well as a deep interest in wellness, self-care, and healing to Alchemy's blog.

    Catherine Whelan, CST, LMT is a regular contributor to our blog.  She is an advanced level CranioSacral Therapist with Alchemy.

    Sarah Spruill is Alchemy's web intern. An English major at Skidmore College, Sarah writes, creates, and edits for Alchemy.

    Alchemy Healing Arts Center is located in Annapolis, Maryland.

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107 Ridgely Avenue  |  Suite 13A  |  Annapolis, Maryland  21401
www.AlchemyHealingArtsCenter.com    410-263-1272    wellness@AlchemyHealingArtsCenter.com   Online Scheduling Available


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The information provided on this site is not a substitute for medical advice and care.
Alchemy Healing Arts Center, LLC assumes no responsibility for outcomes resulting from the use of information contained on this web site, or from linked sites.

  • Home
  • Schedule Now
  • Modalities
    • Massage >
      • Therapeutic Massage
      • Restorative Massage
      • Myofascial Release
      • Sports Massage
      • Deep Tissue Massage
      • Massage Videos and Info
      • Integrative Reflexology
    • CranioSacral Therapy >
      • CranioSacral Therapy
      • Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy
      • Multi-Therapist Sessions
    • Lymph Drainage Therapy
    • Pregnancy and Fertility >
      • PreNatal Massage
      • CranioSacral for Pregnancy
    • Distance Sessions
    • Meditations with Kay Schaefer
    • Yoga Videos with Jackie
  • Therapists
    • Amelia Mitchell
    • Catherine Whelan
    • Elizabeth Sanders
    • Shelbi Miles
    • Tresa Ballard
    • Kay Schaefer
    • Sabrina Lopez
    • David Paad
    • Eliza Ennis
    • Erin Kennedy
    • Jackie Melsopp
    • Lynne Brummitt
  • Details & Info
    • COVID-19 Protocols >
      • Cleanliness and Disease Prevention
      • Client Safety Protocols
      • Intake and Screening
      • Therapist Protocols
      • COVID-19 Exposure + Closing Policy
    • Welcome To All
    • About Alchemy
    • Newsletter
    • Gift Certificates
    • Rates and Insurance
    • Cancellation Policy Cold or Flu, COVID-19?
    • Testimonials
    • About Your Session
    • Weather
    • Blog
    • Location and Contact
    • Careers With Alchemy >
      • Job Posting - LMT
  • Classes-Events
    • Meditation Series
    • Self Care - Lymphatic System
    • Continuing Education Classes
    • Being Uncomfortable - Becoming Anti-Racist
    • Alchemy Evenings
    • Gender 101 Alchemy Evening
    • CST Study Group
    • LDT Study Group