The Body keeps score

Numerous studies have been conducted to quantify the extent to which massage helps to alleviate anxiety, and the general consensus is that there is a positive correlation between massage and reduced levels of anxiety.

For example, a 2010 study by Sherman, focused on investigating the effectiveness of therapeutic massage for people with generalised anxiety disorder found that massage can be an effective tool to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. During the study, 68 participants with generalised anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to one of three treatments—therapeutic massage, thermotherapy or relaxing room therapy—which they had ten sessions of over 12 weeks. By the end of the three-month program, researchers found that all participants had experienced an improvement in their anxiety, as measured by changes in their Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Interestingly, the researchers also found that participants continued to experience a reduction in their HARS rating even after the therapy had finished, at the 26-week follow-up period.

Massage works to alleviate anxiety in several inter-connected ways. Specifically, massage helps to relieve the symptoms of anxiety by:

• Reducing cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, and is often associated with high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. When our bodies are tense and in pain, more cortisol is released. By alleviating pain and tightness in muscles, massage is therefore able to reduce the amount of cortisol that is produced, helping to reduce our levels of stress and anxiety.
• Relieving tightness—and therefore stress levels—by promoting lymphatic drainage. When metabolic waste accumulates after injury or overuse, it can contribute to increased muscle fatigue, weakness, pain and swelling. By stimulating the lymphatic system, massage can help remove waste from the body more quickly, helping to increase freedom of movement4.
• Creating a peaceful space for relaxation. Massage is known to induce a physical relaxation response, slowing down our heart and breathing rates. But it also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a calming environment. Slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and staying present in the moment are all well-regarded strategies for reducing the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

We have a special offer to help people living with this difficult condition, this enable an affordable way to ease your symptoms on a monthly basis. with cheaper appointments and weekly payments.