Massage therapy holds benefits for every age and gender. Massage therapy helps to heal the body and the mind through touch. This touch can be a very powerful way to treat people who suffer from emotional difficulties. It can aid in the treatment of depression and in fostering bonding between a new baby and her parents. In addition, it also helps the emotional needs of a person suffering from stress, who is having difficulty with dealing with regular daily problems.
Massage Therapy Reduces Depression
Massage therapy can give a person an overall sense of well being. For someone who is experiencing symptoms of depression this can be of immense help with impeding recovery from the illness. According to Drew University, depression scales are actually lowered after a massage has been provided. Massage works with human touch to help release pent up emotions that might be causing the depression. The use of touch during a massage helps to release chemicals in the brain that help to boost the mood. In addition, there are benefits for depression for the person who is giving the massage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, depression was reduced in elderly adults who actually provided massage to infants.
Massage Therapy Fosters Bonding
Bonding between a baby and her parents is important to both sides. According to the University of Alabama Medical Center, a baby’s emotional development is determined by the amount of love, interactions and touch that the baby receives from the parents. Babies gain a sense of protection and security when they have the benefit of touch from the parents. The baby will develop an emotional bond with the parent that will last a lifetime. According to Pacific College, parents who provide infant massage feel that they are more in tune with their babies' needs. These parents gain a better bond with their infant and have a better understanding of the signals and cues that the baby gives when it needs something. This helps the parents feel more confident about their parental role and surer that they are providing the best quality care.
Massage Therapy Reduces Stress and Fosters Relaxation
Stress can actually be relieved through massage therapy and this can help to create a feeling of relaxation. This decrease in stress and improvement in relaxation can have a direct impact on emotions. When one is stressed, they have difficulty dealing with normal daily problems which can result in sudden changes in emotions. Crying or sudden anger may be a frequent symptom of stress. Reducing and controlling stress levels through massage therapy can help one be better able to deal with problems that arise. In fact, Drew University reports that during massage therapy emotions can develop and an experienced massage therapist can help a patient work through these emotions. In addition, Drew University reports that massage actually helps to reduce stress and can even lower stress hormone levels. This allows one the ability to relax and enjoy life and their families without overreacting to situations.
Kristie Jernigan - Kristie Janeway Jernigan has worked in the health care arena for over 20 years. She has a Masters degree in Health Administration and is ...
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