For anyone suffering from anxiety, you may have tried multiple different treatments already to combat this mental health condition. Anxiety can make going about your day-to-day life extremely challenging, and so by finding a solution that can help ease these feelings, you’ll improve your overall quality of life. One treatment that can be incredibly effective for anyone suffering from anxiety is massage. By understanding the benefits of massage for anyone with anxiety and the type of treatment that’s most suitable for you, you’ll find this to be an excellent tool to add to your current treatment plan.
How Does Massage Help to Reduce Anxiety?
With over 6.8 million Americans suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, it’s no surprise that we meet so many clients looking for an alternative treatment for anxiety. Anxiety can come with a whole host of symptoms and side effects, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep problems. While anxiety can range from mild to severe, it often stops individuals from trying new experiences. We understand that you may be nervous about receiving a massage for the first time, but at A Mindful Root, we work to make all of our clients feel welcomed and relaxed during each session.
One of the key ways in which massage assists with anxiety is that it lowers your stress hormone, cortisol, by up to thirty percent with just a single session. Many individuals find that with regular treatment over a few months, their symptoms of anxiety are reduced, and these feelings can remain for many weeks or months following treatment. We recommend that anyone struggling with anxiety visits us at least once a month to receive the full benefits of regular massages.
As well as working to calm your body and mind, massage can also help to reduce muscle tension that occurs as a result of anxiety. If you struggle with tension or pain in a specific body part, discuss this with your therapist before your treatment. They’ll be able to tailor your treatment to your needs and help to relieve the tension and pain you are facing. Massage also helps regulate your sleeping pattern, which is a common issue faced by anyone struggling with anxiety. While we know it can be daunting to receive a massage for the first time, try to start your session with an open mind and avoid thinking about any stressful situations or anxiety triggers as much as possible during the treatment.
What is the Best Type of Massage for Anxiety?
For anyone receiving a massage for the first time, Swedish massage would be our top recommendation for anxiety. It uses light to firm pressure and can be tailored to your needs and areas of concern. It will stimulate your circulation, which will reduce stress and tension and increase feelings of relaxation in your body. Swedish massage works well as part of a wellness routine and will work alongside other treatments you are receiving for anxiety.
After a few sessions, you may want to switch to a combination treatment using both Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques. This will work to target any specific areas of tension and pain and will use firm to hard pressure as well as lighter movements. Our team also offers chair massage, or seated massage, which is a great way for anyone with anxiety to try out massage and experience its benefits while still remaining fully clothed.
For more information about massage for anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact our team today. We will be happy to discuss how treatment with A Mindful Root can work alongside your current anxiety treatment plan and look forward to welcoming you for your first massage soon. Call 304-704-9476 to schedule your appointment.
