How regular massage can help your mental health

What is stress and anxiety as part of a person’s mental health?

Stress and anxiety affect many of us, but it’s important to understand a bit more about each of them. Anxiety is a feeling of intense worry, fear, or unease that can occur as a natural reaction to stressful moments or situations, whereas stress is a physiological and psychological reaction to an external situation, for example, a stressful period at work or in your private life. There are over 8 million people in the UK alone with an anxiety disorder, and as many as 1-in-9 UK adults report feeling stressed daily. With pressures such as high interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis, and the life challenges that we face as adults, stress and anxiety are sadly at record levels in the UK. These are alarming statistics, but we at Back2Wellbeing are determined to do what we can to help reduce anxiety and stress through our award-winning massage and pain therapy. We’re proud to be award-winning massage and pain therapists, and we are delighted that regular massage plays a huge role in helping our patients combat stress and anxiety by physically relaxing the body. This, in turn, biochemically calms the body.

How does massage & pain relief help relieve symptoms?

Regular massage and pain relief therapy help reduce anxiety and stress in several ways. The soothing nature of a massage helps decrease levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which is linked to anxiety. At the same time, massage increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” hormones, given they are linked to happiness and relaxation.

Mental Relief

When our patients undergo a massage, their bodies are put into an intense state of rest and relaxation. This is triggered by the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, and released endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and pain relievers. This helps calm anxious feelings and allows patients to mentally switch off from their worries. Another hormone that is triggered through massage is of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of well-being, safety, and connection. The physical touch of massage helps to increase oxytocin levels in the body, thus further encouraging a patient to de-stress and relax.

Physical Relief

The nature of massaging muscles for an extended period helps to ease stiffness and improve blood flow to these areas, as well as to the brain. These benefits all come together to help improve concentration and reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Having a massage can be a valuable form of self-care, helping to align the mind and body. It might be for you, and it could be suitable for a loved one so they can enjoy the many benefits. Why not book a massage appointment as a gift?

Book a Massage Today!

Book a massage today by calling Back2WellBeing at 01202 805334 or by requesting an appointment here. At Back2WellBeing, we’re proud to offer affordable, scientifically-based massage and pain therapy for all your aches and pains in Bournemouth and nearby locations.