How does massage help improve mental health?

The constantly increasing pace of modern society, emotional repression, and uncertainty about the future are just a few of the factors that have made stress the most common disorder affecting our mental health.

Stress is a natural response of our body to stressful situations. Chronic stress triggers a series of reactions in our body, such as the release of high levels of cortisol. While cortisol is essential for the body, as it helps regulate blood pressure and provides energy, prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to a range of disorders, including insomnia, reduced immune function, and an increased risk of depression, among others.

However, there are actions that help balance cortisol levels and trigger the release of hormones responsible for both external and, most importantly, internal calmness. Touch, for example, stimulates the release of oxytocin, one of the ‘feel-good’ hormones, which, along with serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, contribute to physical and mental well-being. Thus, massage, through touch, promotes the release of these hormones, encouraging the body to ‘slow down’ and helping it transition from a state of intense stress to a more peaceful, relaxed state.

When we go through periods of intense stress, the quality of our sleep is affected, blood pressure and heart rate are usually elevated, and the muscles of the body contract, causing general tension and discomfort. Massage has been shown to directly influence the release of the sleep hormone, melatonin, while also reducing cortisol—the stress hormone—that can negatively affect sleep quality. It has also been proven that massage improves blood circulation, thereby lowering heart rate.

Massages in the back and neck area help loosen tight muscles, providing a general sense of euphoria. Facial massage, as well as scalp massage, relaxes the nerve endings and eliminates the feeling of pressure that often builds up in the head, making it difficult for us to relax.

At Massage Inn, we care about your mental and physical well-being and offer a wide range of massage services that promote mental health. Call us at 2310 280180 and let us help you choose the service that’s right for you.

Also read:
Massage as an effective treatment for poor sleep quality and stress.
Massage for stress reduction!