3 Ways Massage Improves Mental Health
Heather Auger, LMT
“Take care of your mind; your body will thank you. Take care of your body; your mind will thank you.”
~ Debbie Hampton
Like many, I find myself wanting to schedule a massage when my body feels out of whack, but it’s not always my go to when it comes time to take care of my emotional well being. With May being Mental Health awareness month I wanted to share 3 ways massage improves mental health.
Reduce stress and anxiety - Massage triggers the release of oxytocin in our brain. This hormone helps us feel calm and connected. It enables us to “tend and befriend” rather than fight or flight when we’re stressed. And while our oxytocin levels are being increased during touch, our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, are decreasing. That’s a win-win in my book.
Improve memory and concentration - No matter what area of our body we hold tension in, there is a good chance that area is taking more than its fair share of our resources. Releasing that physical tension and receiving a whole body massage will get your blood flow circulating towards your brain. More blood flow to the brain = better cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
Sleep better at night- Have you ever spent a night tossing and turning, struggling to shut your brain off long enough to let you fall asleep and then spent the rest of the night sleeping poorly? Many of us experience this struggle. Massage increases serotonin levels in our bodies. This neurotransmitter not only boosts your mood but also aids in the production of melatonin, the chemical that helps regulate the body’s sleep and wake cycles.