Recognizing the greater need for mental health services of all kinds, especially in the wake of Covid and the lockdowns, has become of paramount importance in the last couple of years. And many people are looking for drug-free alternatives to improve mental health. Massage therapy is a great option to improve not only mental health but other physical health concerns as well. Here are just four benefits of how massage therapy can help improve mental health.
Decreases Stress
We all have stress in our lives. Whether from work or family situations, stress is something we all learn to deal with in different ways. And often, our bodies let us know we aren’t doing a good job of dealing with it at all. And decreasing stress is a great way to improve mental health. Regular massage therapy can help to lower your heart rate and your blood pressure. And lowering those two things can also bring a host of health benefits with it.
Natural Booster
Massage therapy also works to naturally boost dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These two chemicals work to regulate our moods. Boosting these two hormones can help with feelings of happiness and well-being. Boosting those feelings will help improve our mental health.
Better Sleep
One of the best ways to not only improve but maintain good mental health is to get quality and uninterrupted sleep. Regular massage therapy can reduce muscle tension, release the good mood boosting hormones, decrease stress, which all improves the quality of your sleep.
Reduces Anxiety
Dealing with regular anxiety can lead to poor mental health so getting control of the emotions that can lead you down that road is a critical part of maintaining good mental health. As already stated, massage can positively impact our hormones which positively impact the autonomic nervous system that controls breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Getting all these systems under control can most definitely help reduce feelings of anxiety.
If you are struggling with anxiety, poor sleep, or other mental health challenges, seeing a professional for help is the first step in the right direction. And looking into regular massage therapy sessions is a great way to help keep your mental health balanced and in check. Make an appointment today and talk to your therapist so they can develop a care plan that is right for you.
