17/06/2025
6 physical and emotional benefits of massage
Anxiety can be all-encompassing, making your body feel tense, restless, and tired. Fortunately, massages can help you tackle some of these physical symptoms and support your mental health and wellbeing at the same time.
Here are six ways massage can lower your anxiety:
1. Reduces muscle tension: Anxiety can cause your muscles to tighten up, especially in your shoulders, neck, and back. Massage can gently work out those knots, helping to release your built-up tension. Then, your body sends signals to your brain that it’s okay to finally unwind.
2. Lowers heart rate and blood pressure: When you get anxious, your heart tends to race, and your blood pressure can rise. But massage naturally slows your heart rate and lowers blood pressure by encouraging your body to relax.
3. Boosts mood-enhancing hormones: Massage can help to balance out serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals in the brain that help with our happiness and calmness. Studies show that when these two chemicals are in balance, it can help you feel more content post-massage, as well as less depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.
4. Improves sleep quality: Many people with anxiety also have sleep issues. But massage can make it easier for your body to fall into a restful state as it may help lower your stress hormones, like cortisol. Also, many people report that they sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more refreshed after a massage.
5. Increases body awareness: Anxiety can make you feel disconnected from your body, like you’re stuck in your head. But massages often bring your attention back to your physical sensations. This can help you feel more present, which can help reduce anxiety.
6. Enhances overall relaxation: Sometimes, the simple act of stepping away from your daily life for a massage can do wonders. When you put yourself in a calm environment with soothing music and focus on your self-care, you create the perfect setting to help let go of stress and just relax.
