Can massage therapy help improve mental health?

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Many studies have been made on the benefits of massage therapy, but few of them detail the relationship between this alternative treatment and mental health. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that more than 26 percent of Americans suffer from a mental condition. This amounts to approximately 60 million Americans reporting a mental illness, with nearly 21 million experiencing mood disorders and around 40 million suffering from of anxiety.

This alarming statistical figure is made even more disturbing by the suggestion that many individuals do not seek medical treatment either because of social stigma or ignorance. Additionally, sufferers may be hesitant to seek professional treatment because of the perceived cost. It is true that mental health treatments don’t come cheap, but individuals are encouraged to see the cost as an investment rather than an expense.

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New research has been made on affordable (yet still effective) alternatives for mental health treatments. In particular, many analysts are studying the connection between massage therapy and its benefits on mental health. Practitioners of massage therapy see it as a complete option because of its ability to soothe both the body and mind. Certain hand movements can trigger the brain to release hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which have been medically linked to particular mental illnesses.

These data have given hope to sufferers of mental illnesses and massage therapy is now being considered as another avenue for mental health treatment. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that many people view massage as an effective means to improve both mind and body.

Despite this general positive outlook, the medical community still recommends to visit a qualified and registered mental health practitioner. Massage may be beneficial for certain conditions, but only to a certain degree. Further research still needs to be done on its efficacy for severe cases.

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