What Are the Benefits of Massage for Emotional Well-Being?

Getting a massage can be a mentally and physically pleasurable experience. There are many therapeutic effects of massage, such as reduced physical pain, reduced swelling, reduced fatigue and reduced muscle tension. However, massages also provide important emotional benefits, such as feelings of peace and well-being. Touch therapy has been proven to help not only the physical state of patients, but the emotional state as well.

Increased Alertness

• Those who receive massage therapy on a regular basis are more alert at work. Studies by the National Institute of Health show that employees who receive massage therapy are more productive and more alert at work and have fewer symptoms of stress.

Decreased Anxiety and Depression

• Studies performed by the Touch Research Institute have proven that massage decreases both anxiety and depression. Medical students at the University of Medicine in New Jersey who were massaged before an an exam showed decreased anxiety and respiratory rates. By inducing mental relaxation, massage before an exam caused the students to remain in a calm, non-anxious state, allowing them to perform better on testing.

Promotes a Feeling of Well-Being

• Those who receive massage therapy often report feelings of calm and well-being after a massage. Massage enhances a sense of harmony between body and mind and soothes away mental and emotional stress.

Increases Self-Esteem

• Touch is a valuable part of human existence that contributes not only to physical development, but also to self-esteem. Studies show that infants whose basic needs are met, but who are not touched, become physically and emotionally inhibited. Massage therapy provides a safe situation for adults to experience touch in a therapeutic manner.