Anxiety and Massage Therapy
Alternative Treatments for Anxiety, Including Massage Therapy.
Jan 7, 2007
Anxiety Information
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Approximately 1 in 10 people are affected by this disorder. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America suggests that some 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Disorders
While everyone will experience some degree of anxiety, those with an actual anxiety disorder will experience intense and prolonged feelings of distress and uneasiness often for no apparent reason. The most common anxiety disorders include: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety refers to an internal response that includes fear, apprehension and worry, often without understanding the underlying reason for the feelings. It is often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, chest pain, sweating, and/or shortness of breath.
The more serious and chronic forms of anxiety may require a more comprehensive approach to treatment. Anxiety can be very debilitating and can vary in intensity from person-to-person.
Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety disorders are treatable and there are many different anxiety treatment options available. It is always advisable to consult with a physician for any medical condition.
One effective method to treat anxiety is through Self Regulation Therapy. Self Regulation Therapy is a “non-cathartic mind/body approach aimed at diminishing excess activation in the nervous system”. Check out the Canadian Foundation for Trauama Research and Education for more information.
Massage Therapy and the Treatment of Anxiety
The Touch Research Institute has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on a variety of health conditions. Many of these studies showed how massage reduced levels of anxiety and decreased stress hormones.
In one massage therapy study, decreases in levels of anxiety were compared between a group of adults who received chair massage and another group who were simply asked to sit in the massage chair for 15 minutes. The study revealed that only those who received the chair massage had lower levels of anxiety and an increase in mental alertness following the massage (Field et al, 1996).
Another study showed that massage therapy decreased the anxiety, depression and stress hormone levels of children who survived Hurricane Andrew (Field et al, 1996).
Alone, or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, massage therapy can provide some much needed relief for sufferers of anxiety. However, if you have intense or prolonged symptoms of anxiety, be sure to consult with your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
Self Help Tools and Techniques to Manage Anxiety
Self help and relaxation techniques play an important role in relieving anxiety symptoms. Some self help tips include: balanced diet (reducing caffeine and sugar), exercise to relieve stress, relaxation and breathing techniques, stress-management, laughter, and getting a good night’s sleep.
There are many kinds of tools to help you manage anxiety. In particular, if you are a fidgeter, you might want to invest in a ring: worry rings, prayer rings, turning rings, spinner rings, or spinning rings have an outer band which you can manually spin around the inner part of your ring. If you have ever heard of a Tibetan prayer wheel, these rings are based on the same idea in that they are turned during devotional activities. They are designed to promote a calming effect. Check out anxietyspinnerrings.com for more information.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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