As the autumn approaches and the nights begin to lengthen, many people begin to suffer the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The usual treatment for SAD is through antidepressant drug therapy together with light box therapy and vitamin supplementation. But did you know that massage therapy can be a great help too?
If you suffer from SAD, read on to find out how regular massage therapy sessions can help you beat the wintertime blues.
Massage therapy and SAD
When you suffer from SAD, it's not uncommon to feel lethargic, depressed and unable to relax. It's just too much effort to do much at all. And that's one reason why massage is such a great choice of alternative therapy for SAD sufferers. All you need to do is make an appointment and let the therapist do all the work! Many massage therapists even make house calls, so you don't even have to venture out to receive this beneficial treatment.
One major symptom of SAD is mild depression and low mood. Massage therapy helps to stimulate the body to release endorphins. Endorphins are chemical neurotransmitters. They are critical in the function of your central nervous system, passing signals from one neuron to the next. Endorphins are responsible for your feelings of pleasure and euphoria, so the effect of massage in encouraging your body to produce more of these feel-good substances is extremely helpful in fighting the depressive effect of SAD.
SAD can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm (your body clock). This leads to interrupted sleep patterns, poor appetite, general low mood, and feeling tired all the time. Not eating properly, coupled with sluggish circulation can lead to other health problems and will also exacerbate your lack of energy. Massage therapy facilitates improved circulation by moving your blood through areas that are congested. As this pressure is relieved, new blood flows through, bringing with it more oxygen and nutrients. You will begin to feel more energised and your appetite will improve.
Massage helps to flush lactic acid away from your muscles. The pressure and release of massage therapy helps to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around your body, drawing metabolic waste away from your internal organs and muscles, lowering your blood pressure and further improving your energy levels.
If you don't have enough good quality sleep, your blood pressure can increase. Massage therapy can be specifically designed to help those who suffer from broken sleep or insomnia.
In conclusion
If you suffer from SAD, regular massage therapy sessions could help to relieve your symptoms and give you back your sunny perspective on life, even during the depths of winter. Have a chat with a qualified massage therapist for more information and to find out how massage therapy could help you.
For more information, contact a company like Na's Massage Therapy.
