Massage and bipolar disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
The exact cause of bipolar disorders is not known, but a combination of genetics, environment, altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.
There is no known cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment can help the patient take control over their moods.
It requires medical diagnosis, but lab tests and imaging are not required.
Symptoms?
Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.
Having discussed briefly what bipolar disorder is, and its symptoms.
How can massage help in the management of bipolar disorder?
Have you ever gotten a massage and felt an instant mood lift? That might be because massage has been linked to fighting depression, at least for those that have sought out a massage for depression. When the muscles and soft tissue of the body are manipulated by a massage therapist, it can improve their function while promoting relaxation, making it easy to see why feelings of depression would be encouraged to dissipate.
Types of massage techniques for depression and anxiety:
The wonderful thing about massage therapy is that it can relieve the tension that naturally happens in your muscles and connective tissues when they become stiff. Your blood flow will increase and that alone promotes relaxation. You will be able to see relief from the physical symptoms of depression including back pain, muscle aches, sluggishness, and sleeping problemswhich are all symptoms of bipolar disorder as stated earlier.
The best massage for anxiety would be one of the relaxing massage options like the Swedish massage or Aromatherapy massage (offered here at serendipity massage).
A foot massage for depression would be Reflexology which works to stimulate better function of the organs and systems of your body through pressures points in the feet.
The aromatherapy massage using scented oils can not only make you feel more relaxed, but it can boost energy while reducing anxiety. Any method in which the mind and body can connect, such as through massage, is going to lead to relieved tension, improved health, better stress management, and relief of depression symptoms.
If you’ve ever wondered, “can massage help with depression?” the studies are in and they can, in fact, improve your depression symptoms. Make an appointment for a massage today at serendipity massage in order to feel immediate results and to experience a relief from depression symptoms.
Thank you.