What Are the Benefits of Massage on Depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines depression as a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for weeks on end. Traditional methods of coping with depression most commonly include psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medications. While these methods are effective, your therapist may also recommend alternative therapies, such as massage, to alleviate depression symptoms.

Detox

• Whether you are depressed or not, massage therapy helps to release toxins in your body that are built up due to poor posture, work and everyday responsibilities that can cause stress. The University of Northern Iowa's Wellness and Recreation Services notes that massage releases waste products (commonly known as toxins) that are built up in your muscles, allowing nutrients and oxygen to flow to those muscles and provide relief. Being depressed can intensify the aches and pains in your body caused by the buildup of toxins. Flushing out your system allows you to feel refreshed and relaxed in your own skin. You may not even realize the extent of your physical (and emotional) discomfort until you can experience the renewed benefits of massage.

Relaxation

• Massage therapy can be offered in a private practice, in an at-home appointment or in a spa or salon. The atmosphere of any form of massage therapy session should be calm, inviting and comfortable. If in addition to your depression you also suffer from anxiety, it can be difficult to relax and be in the moment. According to the Mayo Clinic, many people report that massage therapy helps them achieve a greater sense of well-being and relaxation.

  The amount of relief provided by massage is different for every individual. Even if your massage only helps you to relax for a short period of time, this may be enough to help you see how differently you can feel, and give you a goal to focus on in your recovery from depression.

Taking Care of Yourself

• One of the key components of depression is a lack of self-esteem. Low self-esteem causes you to constantly doubt yourself and your abilities. It is difficult to want to do anything beneficial for yourself when you don't feel that you deserve it. Massage therapy is a way to help alleviate your depression while making an effort to take care of yourself. Everyone has the right to some self-pampering, and massage therapy can help you achieve a greater sense of awareness, making you more inclined to continue using massage to take care of yourself both mentally and physically.