If you’re experiencing tension, stress, anxiety, PTSD or pain, a little bit of touch may be just what you need. Massage — a general term for pressing, rubbing, and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments — has been used for thousands of years in many cultures to heal, soothe, and relieve physical and emotional pain.
Today, massage is being offered more frequently along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations including issues with mental health.
Massage therapy can help with PTSD
Massage therapy can specifically help clients with PTSD through its capacity to:
inhibit release of cortisol and noradrenaline as well as promoting the release of endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine
release tension through improved circulation and oxygenation of the tissues
reduce nerve hyperstimulation and release of corticotrophin, a stimulating hormone, which promotes release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands.
reduce tachycardia by suppressing release of stress hormones
improve circulation, helping to oxygenate the tissues and therefore promote healing
reduce electrical conduction of the skin which intensifies sensations by working on the nervous system and reducing hyperstimulation of the sensory nerves
reduce pain levels which may occur due to hypervigilance and constant anxiety which increase muscle tension, even during sleep.
Trauma focused therapies can be successful, but some clients will find repeated exposure to the trauma too much, hence why massage, which deals with PTSD on a physiological level, as opposed to simply a psychological one, can be beneficial.
How massage supports mental health
Human touch is essential for our well-being, affecting our development in childhood and emotional wellness. When we are touched, our brain releases oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These hormones promote a sense of connection, happiness and relaxation.
Alongside this, human touch has the potential to lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
Getting a massage can also encourage connection, not only to others, but to yourself.
If you experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, or are just overloaded with extra stress, massage can be an effective part of treatment. It can create a sense of relief and empowerment, and allow you to focus on your mind-body connection.
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