Massage is widely used to achieve feelings of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. The subjective physical and psychological benefits of massage are difficult to quantify in controlled trials however anecdotal evidence, a long-standing history of the widespread use of massage for stress reduction suggest that regular massage therapy reduces the severity of chronic moderate anxiety and be especially beneficial when anxiety that is related to test-taking, work stress or the anticipation of invasive medical procedures. In general, regular massage therapy effectively reduces anxiety, improves emotional resilience and enhances feelings of general well-being in anxious individuals.
You can find out more about the benefits of regular massage for anxiety and other safe and effective complementary and alternative treatments of anxiety, and learn practical tips for using them in “Anxiety: the Integrative Mental Health Solution,” by James Lake M.D.