If you struggle with your mental health, then you know just how debilitating this can be.
While you can choose to use medications to boost your mood and balance out your emotions, there are more natural ways to improve your mental health.
The power of massage has been used for centuries and can be highly useful in the battle against poor mental health.
Read on to discover five mental health benefits of massage. Plus, learn how to get the most out of this popular self-care practice.
1. To improve sleep
If you are one of the many people in the UK who struggle to get to sleep or who battle insomnia, then you may be interested to know that massage can be highly effective in combatting this common problem.
Once you have had a massage, you can enjoy benefits such as increased blood circulation and a lowered heart rate, both of which can help you to drift off more easily.
2. To reduce symptoms of depression
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders and can affect people of all ages, including children. However, regular massage has shown promising signs of being able to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
If you are looking for a first-rate massage in Oxford, then we have got you covered with our range of award-winning treatments.
3. To lower stress levels
While a certain amount of stress is good for the body, too much can have seriously detrimental effects on both your physical and mental health.
If you often feel stressed at work or home, then a weekly massage might be just what you need to help you relax and unwind.
4. To mimic the effects of antidepressants
If you do not want to take antidepressants to improve your mental health or you have taken them before and are looking for a more natural solution, you should know that massage can mimic the effects of these types of drugs.
When you have a massage, your body releases more serotonin and dopamine (known as the happy hormones), which means that your mood will instantly improve without the need for any antidepressants.
5. To calm your mind
Does your mind often operate at a million miles a minute? Do you find it hard to focus on one task or often feel overwhelmed?
If yes, then massage can help to calm your mind and allow you to put things into perspective and see them more clearly.
How to get the most out of massage
If you are serious about using massage to improve your mental health, then it can be helpful to know how you can get the most out of each treatment.
Follow our top massage tips below and see an immediate improvement in your mood and overall wellbeing:
· Go in with an open mind
· Be as receptive to the process as possible
· Do not eat a large meal before your massage
· Breathe as you normally would
· Speak to your masseuse about what you want to get from the session
· Take a warm shower beforehand