Summary: Anxiety-sufferers may have found their “natural” relief in massage therapy.

Over the past years, massage therapy has grown in popularity and is often used in combination with traditional medical practices. Often used to treat muscle pain, stiffness, and injury, massage therapy has been more recently used for the treatment of mental and emotional problems including anxiety and stress.

Also considered a type of relaxation technique, massage therapy can reduce tension and elicit feelings of relief and relaxation.

Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy incorporates a variety of different muscle manipulation techniques to release tension and help create a peaceful experience. There are numerous types of massage styles offered. Depending on the style, massages often vary in pressure and muscle group focus.

One of the most popular types of massage, commonly offered in your local New York Asian massage establishment is the Swedish massage. It involves a total body massage where a person lies down on a massage table while the therapist slowly massages different muscle groups to help promote blood circulation and relieve mental stress.

How Does Massage Therapy Relieve Anxiety?

Massages can help the body relax, which in turn can help one let go of fearful thoughts and feelings. The fight-or-flight reaction that most people with severe anxiety deal with is responsible for causing these thoughts and reactions that far outweigh any actual physical threat around them. Moreover, it can lead to uncomfortable physical symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), accelerated heart rate, and chest pain.

Massage therapy can have an opposing effect on the body by eliciting the response of relaxation, therefore reducing tension and emphasizing a calm feeling. Note, it may be important to contact an prestigious establishment beforehand to determine what type of massage style is best suited for you.