The Connection Between Touch Therapy and Anxiety & Depression
Depression and anxiety are some of the most common occurrences nowadays. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 13 individuals suffers from anxiety? According to a study conducted by WHO in 2019, around 1 in 8 people were suffering from some sort of mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the leading causes.
There is no doubt in the fact that anxiety and depression are the most common challenges that affect people from all walks of life. It may leave you feeling disconnected and, at times, even overwhelmed. However, there are many medical treatments for anxiety and depression that may involve the use of various medications and coping mechanisms. One of the easiest methods is touch therapy, which acts as a gentle yet powerful alternative. Human touch is a natural alternative that speaks to our innate need for connection. It carries remarkable power that helps with mental burdens and reduces stress.
In this article, we are going to explore what touch therapy actually is and what is its connection to anxiety and depression.
Quick Summary
Touch therapy is a kind of energy healing therapy where your therapist will either gently touch your body to relieve you of any stress and anxiety or hold his hand slightly above your body, engaging your body's natural energy field to help your body heal.
When our body receives a soothing touch, whether through massage or through therapeutic touch, our bodies release oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, this release of oxytocin regulates stress hormones, including cortisol, and reduces our body’s response to anxiety triggers.
Touch therapy also activates the parasympathetic nervous system - think of it as your body’s natural relaxation mode. This counters the fight-or-flight response and results in an overall calm state.
Touch therapy relaxes your body and improves your sleep pattern, which can often be disrupted by conditions like anxiety and depression.
What is Touch Therapy?
So, what is touch therapy? Touch therapy makes use of various gentle and healing touch techniques that help reduce stress and improve well-being.
Touch therapy is a type of massage therapy that not only incorporates different aspects of massage therapy but also includes energy works that improve your body’s natural healing power. This means that your therapist will either gently touch your body to relieve you of any stress and anxiety or hold his hand slightly above your body, engaging your body's natural energy field to help your body heal.
Healing touch therapy is based on the principles of mind-body wellness, and it also works on the idea that your body has a natural energy field that ties in with the mind-body connection.
If this mind-body connection is disturbed, it can contribute to pain, illness, and various mental health issues.
Massage therapists use the power of touch massage therapy that not only helps you relax but also reduces stress and alleviates the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Types of Touch Therapy
There are various types of touch therapy, each of which is designed to meet your specific needs.
Healing Touch Therapy:
This is an energy-based approach where your therapist will either gently touch your body or hold his hands slightly above your body. This technique is designed to support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Healing touch therapies use techniques of energy massage; these non-invasive techniques energize and balance the human energy system and facilitate healing and recovery.
In-Touch Massage Therapy:
In-touch therapy focuses mainly on gentle and soothing touches; this may include a few different therapeutic massage techniques that not only help your body relax but will also support your mental well-being.
Deep Touch Pressure Therapy:
Deep touch pressure therapy (DTP) is a type of touch therapy that makes use of firm touch and pressure, which helps you feel calm and relaxed. It may include various deep tissue techniques to apply pressure on various parts of your body and relieve anxiety and stress.
The Art of Touch Massage Therapy
Various studies have shown that touch can have a positive effect on the mind as well as the body. The power of physical touch massage therapy lies in its ability to calm the nervous system, which goes beyond just feeling good; when our body receives a soothing touch, whether through massage or through therapeutic touch, our bodies release oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone. This release of oxytocin regulates stress hormones, including cortisol, and reduces our body’s response to anxiety triggers.
At the same time, touch therapy also activates the parasympathetic nervous system - think of it as your body’s natural relaxation mode. This counters the fight-or-flight response and results in an overall calm state with slower breathing and reduced heart rate.
Feeling curious? Check out how the massage therapy services at Healing Forest Massage bring these proven benefits directly to you.
How Touch Therapy Eases Anxiety and Depression
The relief touch therapy provides is beyond momentary comfort. It offers more than just relaxation. Here is how it helps ease anxiety and depression:
Lower Stress Hormones:
Touch therapy or any form of therapeutic touch is known to release oxytocin in your body, which can help regulate the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and help your body and mind to reach a calmer, more peaceful state.
Emotional Stability and Improved Mood:
As discussed earlier, healing touch massage therapy releases oxytocin, which is connected to the feeling of happiness and connection. The release of oxytocin naturally improves your mood and helps stabilize emotions, especially for individuals who are dealing with conditions like depression.
Improved Sleep Patterns:
Good sleep is necessary for your body’s overall health, but conditions like anxiety and depression can disrupt your sleep patterns. This is where touch therapy comes in; it relaxes your body and improves your sleep pattern, making restful sleep more likely.
Touch therapy isn’t just for occasional pampering—it’s an ongoing therapy necessary for your mental wellness. Head over to Healing Forest Massage today and discover how they can help you on your wellness journey.
Physical Benefits of Touch Therapy
Touch therapy is not just beneficial for your mental health; it holds plenty of benefits for your body as well:
Pain Relief
Whether you are suffering from chronic or temporary pain, each session of physical touch massage therapy can significantly reduce the levels of pain.
Better Immune System
Studies have suggested that regular touch therapy can improve your immune system, making your body stronger against illness and improving its ability to recover quickly.
Support for Chronic Conditions:
If you are struggling with a chronic condition, touch therapy can be of benefit to you; it will not only help ease physical stress but will reduce the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Do you want to experience the calming effects of touch therapy - a treatment that uplifts both your mind and body? Book your session through Healing Forest Massage.
Experience the Healing Power of Touch for Yourself
Touch therapy is a unique approach that has benefits for both your mind and your body. Not only does it help manage conditions like anxiety and depression, but it also improves your mood and, consequently, your overall quality of life.
If you’re ready to explore what touch therapy can do for you, or you’re eager to try in-touch massage therapy, start by booking your session at Healing Forest Massage today.
FAQs
Q: What is touch Therapy?
A: Touch therapy is a type of energy healing therapy that uses various gentle touch techniques to help our body heal. Your therapist will either touch your body slightly or will hover his hands slightly above your body to engage your body’s natural energy field. Touch massage therapy prioritizes emotional well-being along with physical relief.
Q: How long are the benefits of touch therapy likely to last?
A: The effects can vary from individual to individual, but many individuals experience improved mood and reduced stress levels for days to follow.
Q: Can deep touch pressure therapy work for everyone?
A: Although a lot of people benefit from deep touch pressure therapy, many people may find other forms of touch therapy better for themselves.
Q: Are there side effects to touch therapy?
A:Generally, touch therapy is safe and has plenty of benefits. However, if you are still concerned, you can always consult with a professional and discuss any specific concerns you may have.
