Massage therapy is comprised of a variety of techniques, influenced mainly by one's needs and condition.
Information provided by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reveals the following about massage therapy for mental health:
-A 2010 meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials concluded that massage therapy may help to reduce depression.
-Brief, twice-weekly yoga and massage sessions for 12 weeks were associated with a decrease in depression, anxiety, and back and leg pain in pregnant women suffering from depression, a 2012 NCCAM-funded randomized controlled trial showed. Also, the women's babies weighed more than babies born to women who didn't receive the therapy.
-However, a 2013 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to determine if massage helps pregnant mothers with depression.
-A 2010 review concluded that massage may help older people relax.
-For generalized anxiety disorder, massage therapy was no better at reducing symptoms than providing a relaxing environment and deep breathing lessons, according to a small, 2010 NCCAM-supported clinical trial.
Things to Consider
- Do not use massage therapy to replace conventional care or to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
- If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your health care provider, who may also be able to help you select a massage therapist.
- Ask about the training, experience, and credentials of the massage therapist you are considering. Also ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost, and insurance coverage.
- Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary health approaches, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
From NCCAM.NIH.gov
