Massage therapy is beneficial for all ages. It offers a way to heal the body and the mind through touch. Because of the power of touch, it helps a person work through emotions during the massage session. Massage therapy can be beneficial for depressed individuals or new parents who are trying to bond with an infant. In addition, it also helps the emotional needs of the stressed individual who is having difficulty with regular daily problems.
Reduces Depressionn
Massage therapy can give a person an overall sense of well being. For someone who is experiencing depression this can be an immense help. According to Drew University, depression scales are actually lowered after a massage has been provided. Massage can also help to release pent up emotions that might be causing the depression. In addition, massage not only benefits a depressed individual through receipt of massage, It can also benefit a person who is giving the massage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, depression was even reduced in elderly adults who actually provided massage to infants.
Bonding
According to the University of Alabama Medical Center, a baby's emotional development is determined by the amount of love, interactions and touch that the baby receives from the parents. Bonding is an important aspect for both the parents and the infant. Babies gain a sense of protection and security when they have the benefit of touch from the parents. The baby will develop an emotional bond with the parent that will last a lifetime. According to Pacific College, parents who provide infant massage feel that they are more in tune with their babies needs. They have a better understanding of the signals and cues that the baby gives when it needs something. This helps the parents feel more confident about their parental role and more confident that they are providing the highest-quality care.
Stress and Relaxation
Stress can actually be decreased and relaxation improved when massage therapy is done. This can have a direct impact on our emotions. When we are stressed we have difficulty dealing with normal daily problems. Stress can cause reactions such as crying and anger. Therefore, reducing and controlling stress levels through massage therapy can help us be able to better deal with problems that arise. In fact, Drew University reports that during massage therapy emotions can develop and an experienced massage therapist can help you work through these emotions. In addition, Drew University reports that massage actually helps to reduce stress and can even lower stress hormone levels.(see reference 4) This allows us the ability to relax and enjoy life and our families without overreacting to situations.
Member Comments