🎶🎶On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me🎶…. Darkness?

Wait, what?

Yes, Anchorage. It's that time of year again. The time of year when we go to work in the dark… and come home in the dark. The time of year when holiday stress adds up. The time of year when the stir crazies set in.  

The good news is that it will start getting lighter again on December 21st. At 6:27pm, Alaska time, to be exact. 😂

The bad news is that all of this darkness can lead to depression, a case of the blues, or just a sense of… meh. 

That's why we're here.

While there are many approaches to relieving symptoms of depression, massage therapy is often overlooked.

But it shouldn’t be.

A full-body massage in Anchorage can promote relaxation and release endorphins, which can help relieve symptoms of depression – naturally.

At Anchorage Massage Therapies, we care about your physical and mental health. So, let's talk about the science of depression and explore how massage therapy can help, even during our season of darkness.

Understanding depression and its impact on mental health

Depression is characterized as a disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessess, and the lost of interest in activities, among other things.

There are currently two schools of thought on what causes depression.

Some describe depression as a complex mental health disorder caused by a mixture of biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Others believe depression is caused by your body's nervous system being in a "freeze" state.

Dr. Nicole LePera, known as The Holistic Psychologist (follow her on Instagram!) is a thought leader on how the body's nervous system impacts the mind.

She says, "Depression is probably the most widely misunderstood 'disorder.' We've been told depression is a disease of the mind."

She continues by mentioning a study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, which showed that 46% of people who had symptoms of depression also had inflammation in the body, and she encourages those with depression to "seek out treatment where the mind and body can enter a state of relaxation."

No matter which school of thought you subscribe to, depression can impact your emotional well-being, relationships, and work performance, along with your physical health and overall quality of life.

It’s often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

But a full body massage in Anchorage from one of our compassionate, gentle, and talented therapists can help, and science backs it up.

The benefits of full body massage for mental health

During a massage session, our Anchorage massage therapists apply gentle pressure and soothing strokes to help relax tense muscles, allowing your body to enter a state of deep relaxation. 

This state of relaxation helps activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which is also known as the "rest and digest" system.

The parasympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in your body, helping to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and digestive processes. Yes, massage therapy can help relieve digestive issues as well.

By regulating these crucial physiological processes, your nervous system can exit the "freeze" state, which many holistic doctors and therapists believe to be the true cause of depression.

Full body massage boosts your happy hormones

Another way a full body massage can help relieve symptoms of depression is by boosting the body's four happiness hormones: endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. 

Let's take a look at some examples of how these hormones work: 

• Endorphins: Endorphins are known as the body's natural painkillers. Endorphin levels increase through activities such as laughing. In other words, endorphins just make you feel better.

• Dopamine: Dopamine plays a role in your brain's reward system. It's the hormone released when you eat a delicious meal or during exercise.

• Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. That good feeling you get on a sunny day? That's serotonin. Many anti-depressant medications work to easy symptoms of depression by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. 

• Oxytocin: Oxytocin is what's known as the "love hormone." It's responsible for that feel-good vibe when falling in love or hugging someone you care about.

An Anchorage full body massage stimulates the release of all four of your body's natural feel-good chemicals.

How does massage therapy release these hormones?

These feel good hormones start being released as soon as you get to our Anchorage massage studio, and they continue to be released throughout your massage.

Here’s how:

1. The Power of Touch: Research shows that touch releases oxytocin and endorphins. As human beings, we naturally desire a sense of connection to others as it ensures our survival. The sense of touch works to foster that connection. 

2. Being Cared For: Additionally, feeling cared for and nurtured releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, bonding, and love — and it plays a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety. An Anchorage full-body massage helps counteract the effects of chronic stress by increasing oxytocin levels., promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

3. Improved Circulation: Massage therapy improves blood circulation in your body. Better circulation helps regulate the body's stress response and decreases your cortisol levels, which is the hormone that makes you feel stressed. Additionally, lower cortisol levels can increase the production and effectiveness of serotonin and dopamine. Good blood flow also ensures hormones are evenly distributed throughout your body.

4. Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation have shown to boost the body’s happy hormones as well. Since massage therapy allows you to focus on the present moment and lean into your bodily sensations., it works the same way.

5. Relaxation: Massage brings about a relaxation response, which lowers the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure – all of which create a sense of calm that can boost serotonin and help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

Numerous studies have explored the effects of full-body massage on depression

A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience reports that individuals who received regular full-body massages experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression compared to those who did not receive massage therapy.

Another study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that massage therapy resulted in decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine in individuals with depression. 

These findings highlight the potential of full-body massage as a holistic approach to managing depression.

Techniques and types of full body massage for alleviating depression

Our therapists at Anchorage Massage Therapies use various techniques and types of full-body massage for alleviating depression.

We offer all of these techniques at our Anchorage massage clinic. Each has a different way to help relieve symptoms of depression.

Swedish Massage

This technique involves long, gliding strokes, and circular movements that promote relaxation and improve circulation. Swedish massage is gentle and soothing, making it suitable for individuals with depression who may be sensitive to touch. If this sounds right up your alley, we suggest booking an appointment with Lauren Young.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on targeting deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Deep tissue massage may be more intense and less relaxing in the moment., but also provides significant relief from muscle stiffness and tension, which is often associated with stress and depression. If this sounds like you, we recommend booking an appointment with Sara Rose Lee Shafer or Jamie Newsom Eaton.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A lymphatic drainage massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering deep relaxation. Plus, it detoxifies the lymphatic system, boosting your immunity. Because depression can compromise your immune system, a lymphatic drainage massage at our clinic can be an excellent choice if you are looking for a full-body massage to help lift your mood.

If you’re not sure what type of massage you need, that’s ok too. Just book an appointment, show up, and let our massage therapists take it from there.

Testimonials and personal experiences with full body massage for depression

After a full body massage at Anchorage Massage Therapies, our clients often say they feel like they are floating on a puffy cloud. 

That's what we like to hear.

Some clients say a full body massage offers a respite from life's stressors and works as a "reset button" for their mind, allowing them to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and embrace a more positive outlook on life.

Other clients comment that they feel more relaxed after their massage, and start sleeping better at night. Because insomnia is a common symptom of depression, a massage leading to a good night’s sleep can lift your mood and lead to an enhanced sense of well-being.

Start your wellness journey

A full body massage in Anchorage has the potential to be a transformative tool in managing depression that sets in during the long winter months here in Alaska.

Its ability to promote relaxation, release endorphins, and provide a safe environment for touch therapy can be a game-changer for the body and mind.

When you're ready to get started… we're here. Let's unlock your happy hormones and turn our Alaskan season of darkness into a season of self-care, rest, and recovery. We’ve got you, Anchorage.