Massage therapy has been shown to improve a number of conditions in a series of in-depth studies that took place between 1992 and 2018.
According to Miller School of Medicine in Miami, a reduction in cortisol levels and an increase in dopamine is believed to be the cause of these improvements.
Diego, M. & Field, T. (2009). Moderate Pressure Massage Elicits a Parasympathetic Nervous System Response. International Journal of Neuroscience, 119, 630-639
Massage performed with moderate pressure was shown in this study to induce the parasympathetic state, whereas light pressure was found to induce a sympathetic (“fight or flight”) state.
The parasympathetic nervous system is essential for sleep, digestion, and mental health.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J. & Theakston, H.(2000). High blood pressure and associated symptoms were reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 4, 31-38
In this study, several adults received 10, 30-minute sessions over the course of 5 weeks. In the end, they not only had reduced blood pressure, but they also had reduced cortisol levels and decreased anxiety.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Quintino, O., Drose, L., Field, T., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg, S (1997). Effects of sexual abuse are lessened by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 1, 65-69
Women who were victims of abuse received massages twice a week for one month. Following the sessions, the women reported less anxiety. Cortisol levels and PTSD-like symptoms were decreased. Interestingly, the control-group who underwent relaxation therapy (without touch) experienced increased negativity towards touch, compared to the test group (who received the massage) who felt more comfortable with touch.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Dieter J., Field, T., Swerdlow, B., & Diego, M. (1998). Migraine headaches are reduced by massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96, 1-11.
Individuals in this study experienced less headaches and less pain following regular massage sessions. Each individual measured higher serotonin levels.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2001). Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145.
This study looked further at massage therapy for back pain, and found that individuals experienced less pain, improved sleep, and improved trunk function following massage therapy. The clients measured significantly higher levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Hernandez-Reif, M, Martinez , A., Field, T., Quintino, O., Hart, S., & Burman, I. (2000). Premenstrual syndrome symptoms are relieved by massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 21, 9-15.
This study looked at clients with PMS and PMDD diagnoses. After one month, clients experienced a reduction in water retention and premenstrual distress, as well as experienced improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms associated directly with their PMS/PMDD.
According to the APA, 1/3 of Americans are living with extreme chronic stress, and nearly half live with chronic stress. Stress is caused by an increase in cortisol and can produce physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, poor sleep, muscle tension, and stomach pain, when it becomes chronic. Managing stress is an important part of overall health and wellness.
American Psychological Association. (2007, October 24). Stress a major health problem in the U. S. , warns APA [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2007/10/stress
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