Prevent and Treat Depression with Massage Therapy in Beaverton by Chris Lontok

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 20 million people in the United States, aged 18 and above, experience clinical depression every year. Aside from clinical depression, there is also what is considered as everyday depression or “the blues.” Massage therapy has been found to be effective in preventing and even treating depression. Various massage therapy modalities such as Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy or sports massage therapy can be availed of at therapeutic massage spas in Beaverton, as well as Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood and Vancouver WA.

Clinical depression is a serious illness that should never be taken for granted. A patient with clinical depression is plagued with anxiety and hopelessness coupled with the more physical problems of headaches, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, loss of appetite and issues with digestion.

Even ordinary depression or “the blues” could develop into severe clinical depression if not treated immediately and properly. Although this may initially present itself as mere mood swings, ordinary depression can advance to a state where it significantly interferes with the daily routines in the life of the afflicted person until he or she can no longer function normally. This sometimes even leads to suicide.

One of the major causes of depression has been found to be the depletion of serotonin levels in the brain. Many doctors therefore prescribe anti-depressants that increase the serotonin levels of the patient. Experts from the Northwestern Health Sciences University, however, recommend the more natural approach. They declare that serotonin levels in the body can be raised by stress reduction, massage therapy and proper nutrition,

Stress is also a major cause of depression. It triggers a vicious cycle because stress causes depression which causes more stress. Natural stress relief can be achieved through the practice of mindfulness. This involves focusing the mind on the moment. Among the exercises that encourage the state of mindfulness are meditation, yoga and tai chi, among others. Aside from these practices, patients are also urged to focus their minds on joyous thoughts most of the time.

Another way to eliminate stress and replace it with relaxation is through massage therapy. This is how massage therapy prevents and treats depression. One can find voluminous documented scientific studies proving how effective therapeutic massage can be in countering depression.

Proper nutrition likewise helps by enabling the body to produce adequate levels of serotonin. Good fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary in the production of serotonin. So is the proper balance of protein amino acids and complex carbohydrates. Finally, vitamin B6 supplementation also encourages serotonin production.

You can use any of the available massage therapy modalities to prevent or treat depression. These include Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy and sports massage therapy. Even pregnant women who are prone to depression can benefit much from pregnancy massage therapy. To ensure that you are getting proper massage treatment, though, you have to go to a trained professional massage therapist. You will be sure to find one at a reputable therapeutic massage spa in Beaverton, Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood and Vancouver WA.