MASSAGE

People with general anxiety disorder (GAD) may experience constant anxiety, with fearful and worrisome thoughts at all hours of the day. GAD sufferers often feel drained fatigued, or develop long-term stomach pain and muscle tension. A recent study found that massages may actually help treat anxiety and other other mental health disorders, like depression, due to their ability to reduce cortisol and anxiety symptoms.1 Elevated cortisol, also called the “stress hormone”, increases risk for depression, anxiety and mental illness.

Swedish massage therapy – which involves deep tissue massage – appears to be effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.1 Massage also improves sleep quality, immune function and overall emotional well-being which all play important roles in brain health.2

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