Massage and Depression
As winter continues and we endure even colder weather it is common to ponder the following questions:
- Am I just moving in a slower rhythm or am I experiencing mild depression?
- Am I sleeping more or too much?
- Am I still feeling optimistic about it being a new year?
Depending upon how you answered those questions you could be experiencing a common form of winter depression, which is aptly titled SAD, for Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year can experience depressive symptoms when a season changes, and especially during winter.
Having studied a fair amount of psychology & behavioral science, I can confidently say that adding massage to your lifestyle anytime, but especially in winter, is an excellent option to ward off, help disperse, and manage feelings of depression.
During a massage, endorphins are released throughout the body. Using therapeutic massage as a preventative and combative tool TO CREATE FEEL GOOD SENSATIONS in the body, works! The mind is offered a rest from negative thoughts and feelings in the body.
“Many researchers share the view that depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals, known as neurotransmitters,12 found throughout the brain and the body. Neurotransmitters help transport messages between nerve cells.13 Serotonin and norepinephrine and dopamine are examples of these neurotransmitters. In the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine are thought to be associated with mood as well as regulating and reducing feelings of pain that come from the body. Dopamine is thought to be associated with appetite, loss of pleasure and energy or drive.”
Lifestyle Changes like exercising, diet changes and including getting regular massage can create a real lift in your mood creating a ripple effect into other areas of your life, whether its winter or summer!
Many Blessings,
Amanda
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