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How can Massage Therapy help with Mental Wellness?

Writer's picture: Dr. McHardyDr. McHardy

Updated: May 24, 2024


relax with massage therapy at Parkway Back and Foot Clinic

Massage therapy can positively affect your mental well-being by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports relaxation, digestion, and sleep.


When the nervous system is activated, it helps reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting tranquility and well-being.

Massage therapy can elevate neurotransmitters to lower anxiety and decrease hormones associated with increasing stress. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), regular massages can improve your mood and reset circadian rhythms, improving sleep and more energy.

Here is a further list of how massage therapy can help with mental wellness:


Stress Reduction: Massage therapy helps release endorphins, natural mood elevators. The stress hormone cortisol is also reduced. This combination of effects helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

Relaxation: The physical act of receiving a massage promotes deep relaxation, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, which calms the mind and body.

Improved Sleep: Sleep quality is improved, which improves overall mental well-being and cognitive function.

Pain Relief: Many people hold tension in their bodies, which can lead to physical discomfort. Regular massage can relieve muscle tension and reduce pain, which, in turn, can alleviate mental stress associated with chronic pain.

Enhanced Body Awareness: Massage helps individuals become more aware of the physical sensations of their body, which helps with managing stress and better self-care.

Release of Emotional Tension: Emotional stress can manifest physically in the body. Massage therapy can help release emotional tension in the muscles, providing emotional relief.


Mind and Body Connection with Massage

Mind-Body Connection: Massage encourages the connection between the body and mind. It promotes mindfulness and can help individuals become more in tune with their thoughts and emotions.

Boosted Mood: Massage therapy can increase serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with reduced symptoms of depression and improved mood.

Anxiety Reduction: Massage can help reduce anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing physical tension, enhancing a person's ability to cope with anxiety-inducing situations.

Increased Self-Care: Regular massage sessions encourage individuals to prioritize self-care and take time for themselves. This can positively impact mental well-being by promoting self-love and self-compassion.

Social Interaction: For some, receiving a massage provides positive social interaction with a therapist, which can combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.


Book a consultation with Brent, RMT, to discuss how we can be of help at 905-662-9835


Parkway Back & Foot Clinic located in Stoney Creek serves Hamilton, Grimsby, Beamsville, Stoney Creek & Hamilton Mountain.




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