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Anxiety is a broad term that includes a variety of emotions such as worry, dread, and uneasiness. We call it to stress at times. We all experience anxiety to differing degrees at different points in our lives, such as before a job interview, when a loved one is unwell, or at major transitions such as graduations or children moving away from home. Anxiety and tension are entirely natural and reasonable in these conditions.

However, many people experience anxiety or tension for no obvious cause, and managing those feelings can be tough. This can lead to restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, all of which can lower one's quality of life.

Panic disorders, phobias, PTSD, social anxiety disorders, and GAD(general anxiety disorder)are just a few of the conditions that can cause extreme anxiety. Heart palpitations, shallow breathing, and lightheadedness are all physical symptoms of anxiety.

There are a variety of holistic therapies that can help with anxiety.

Meditation, mindfulness, a gratitude diary, aromatherapy, regular exercise, and massage treatment are just a few of them. Massage therapy's advantages for anxiety are very close to those for depression. Massage treatment may help you engage with your body by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and releasing muscular tension and pain. Clients usually feel physiologically lighter, more 'loose' in their muscles, and more balanced after a massage therapy session.

Massage therapy also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone in the body. This is accomplished mostly by suppressing the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response while activating the parasympathetic nervous system's "rest and digest" response. Massage therapy also stimulates the release of "feel-good" neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin in the brain.

Massage therapy promotes circulation, tissue nutrition, and blood vessel flexibility when used on a regular basis. It enhances tissue oxygenation and boosts blood flow. Blood pressure is reduced through massage therapy. Massage also helps to improve the immune system and counteract all of the sitting that many people do, as well as all of the muscle abuse that might occur at work. (Overuse injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis can be reversible with therapeutic massage!)

Several massage therapy studies have been done to measure effectiveness on anxiety and depression and the outcomes that the data showed were very positive. The results showed that during post-massage therapy, cortisol in urine decreased by an average of 32.7% and it also decreased in saliva by 21.1%. Dopamine (a feel good brain chemical) increased by 26.8% and serotonin increased by 31% in the urine output. Massage therapy is a powerful strategy worth adding to your self-care arsenal!

Postmassage it's a good idea to take time to rest and relax, hydrate with plenty of water, take a warm Epsom salt bath, and focus on getting a great night’s sleep!

If you are interested in other complementary therapies that may also help your anxiety, Call us today to book!