Can Massage Therapy Reduce Stress?

A man rubbing his forehead, looking very stressed.

You’ve had a rough day at work with major problems on a project you have. Your muscles are tight, you feel a headache coming on and you just want to lie down. Right now, a massage could be the better option.

Massage therapy can’t take away your stressful situation. After your treatment, the project will still be there with all the same problems. However, you will be better equipped to handle it after a relaxing massage.

Massage Equips You to Deal with Stress

Humans respond positively to the feeling of touch, but massage does so much more. It increases the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for happy feelings. Massage also reduces the production of cortisol, which is the hormone produced during periods of stress. It is the hormone which has also been linked to heart disease.

When a person is able to relax, it allows the body time to recover from the effects of stress. It can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and other body systems that are impacted by constant stress.

Another benefit of massage therapy is that it can help with anxiety and depression, which often increase with stress. Anytime you are dealing with negative situations, it takes a toll on your body and mind. If the stress doesn’t go away in a few days, it can cause permanent health problems. Massage provides a release for the stress so it doesn’t result in long-term damage.

Massage therapy can help your body handle the stressful situations you must deal with. Even a short break where you can relax allows you to feel more refreshed and able to focus. It can give you clarity for how you should deal with the situation. At the very least, it enables you to keep going until life gets a little easier.