Massage therapy for depression

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Reflexology massage therapy is considered one of the methods to support depression, helping patients relieve stress, feel more relaxed and optimistic.

1. What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy (massage) is a technique of manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of the body to enhance their function, helping to relax the muscles. Massage therapy has been used in China for over 3,000 years. Some experts think this therapy can help treat depression. They claim that massage releases hormones in the body, creating a feeling of emotional connection. In addition, massage also helps to soothe the mind, improve mood and reduce physical pain. As such, this therapy is seen as a useful addition to an overall depression treatment plan.
MORE: Acupressure points and massage treatments

2. How does massage therapy reduce depression?

When muscles and tissues become tight, it can cause pain and limit the body's range of motion. Reflexology massage therapy can relieve tension in muscles and tissues. Besides, it also increases blood flow to the muscles, helping the body to relax.
For people with depression, massage therapy contributes to the treatment of this condition. It may reduce the physical symptoms associated with depression. Specifically, massage helps significantly reduce sluggishness, back pain, muscle pain and joint pain. At the same time, it also helps to reduce fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
When performed by professional therapists, massage therapy is safe for most people, especially as it can provide immediate relaxation. Therefore, massage therapy is combined with medication and psychotherapy to treat depression.

3. Different forms of massage

In massage therapy, therapists massage, stretch and apply pressure to the muscles of the body. Some forms of massage can be performed indirectly outside of clothing. Some other forms need to be in direct contact with the skin - especially when using massage oils. Others use acupuncture needles, hot stones, or complex twisting positions.
Here are some popular forms of massage:
Swedish Massage: This is a popular treatment. In this method, therapists will perform movements such as kneading, kneading rhythmically on your muscles; Chair massage: With this method, you will sit on a special chair, leaning forward into the backrest. The massage is usually short and doesn't require you to take off your clothes; Deep tissue massage: Massage therapists will use this method to treat muscle tension caused by stress or other problems. Deep tissue massage focuses on the muscles closest to the bones and the musculoskeletal connective tissues; Shiatsu Massage: With this technique, the therapist applies strong force to specific points on your body, like acupuncture; Acupressure: With this massage, the therapist applies pressure to the acupuncture points in the feet that are thought to correspond to other organs and systems of the body; Massage with essential oils: In this method, the therapist will combine massage with aromatic essential oils to reduce stress and increase your energy; Hot stone massage: During this method, therapists will place warm, flat stones on your body to help relax the muscles. They can also apply pressure on hot stones to relieve muscle tension.

4. Location of acupuncture points are acupressure to support treatment of depression

Massage and acupressure have many benefits for patients with depression, helping to strengthen the immune system, improve overall health, strengthen the digestive system, help patients eat better, reduce pain, and be safe. nerves and sleep well. In addition, acupressure massage also helps patients relieve stress, be happier and more optimistic.
Therapists can acupressure at the following acupuncture points to support the treatment of depression:
Acupressure points: Located in the middle of the line connecting the 2 eyebrows. This acupressure helps sedation, concentration, heat clearing,...; Internal organs: Located on the wrist 2 inches, under the time points 1 inch, between the tendons of the large and small palmar muscles. This acupressure helps to calm the mind, ease sleep,...; Bach Hoi acupoint: When folding the arms forward, the acupuncture point is located at the meeting point of the vertical line between the head and the horizontal line across the top of the arm, when touching, you will see a concave bone slot. Bach Hoi acupressure helps to cure headaches and treat memory impairment,...; An Mien Point: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting the acupoints of De Minh and Le Phong, the depression behind the earlobe. The effect of acupressure is to treat insomnia, headache,...; The cup fusion point: When the index finger and thumb are close together, the cup junction point is located at the highest point of the index finger - thumb muscle. Hoc Coc acupressure helps treat head ailments; Tam Ly acupuncture point: When the palm is placed in the middle of the knee, the tip of the middle finger touches the shin bone - measuring 1 inch will determine the Tam Ly acupuncture point. Tam Ly acupressure is indicated for people with depression who have poor appetite, bad spleen; Tamyin intersection: Located close to the posterior border - in the tibia, the anterior border of the long flexor of the toes and the posterior shin muscle, from the top of the medial ankle measures up to 3 inches. Tam yin acupressure when people are hot, yin is bad.

5. Notes when applying massage therapy for depression

In essence, massage therapy does not provide long-term relief from depression. This method does not address emotional issues or the chemicals that cause depressive symptoms. Therefore, massage therapy should only be used as an adjunct in the treatment of depression, not as a substitute for other treatments.
Massage therapy can help treat depression by reducing muscle tension, improving physical health, and strengthening the mind-body connection. In addition, patients with depression need to follow their doctor's advice on taking medications, applying psychotherapy, massage, etc. throughout the treatment process.

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Reference source: healthline.com