In my previous blog I explored the power of human touch and its profound impact on mental well-being, offering gentle suggestions on how small changes can make a big difference in your life and the lives of those around you
It’s encouraging to see that more people are becoming aware of the importance of mental well-being. However, not everyone has regular access to hugs or human touch, leading some to seek holistic approaches to support their overall health.
Massage therapy and complementary treatments such as reflexology, Reiki, and holistic massage have gained recognition for their positive impact on mental health. These hands-on therapies offer a unique way to support your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing mood.
I understand that there’s a lot of information to take in, so I hope this brief blog will help you determine whether hands-on therapies could be beneficial on your journey to physical and psychological well-being.
The Role of Touch in Mental Health
As we have explored, touch is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and plays a crucial role in mental health. Integrating touch-based therapies like massage into mental health care provides a more holistic approach to well-being.
For individuals dealing with trauma or high levels of stress, hands-on therapies can help them reconnect with their bodies and release emotional tension in a safe, supportive environment. Research shows that massage therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, though its adoption in the UK remains limited.
However, embracing hands-on therapies for mental health could have a transformative impact. The Massage Company reports that 1 in 6 people in England will experience mental health challenges in any given week, highlighting the crucial role of complementary therapies in supporting mental well-being. The British Beauty Council suggests that incorporating massage therapy into regular healthcare could reduce mental health issues by over 10% and decrease sick days by 1.76 million annually.
How Hands-On Therapies Support Mental Health
Massage and complementary therapies are more than just a means of relaxation; they have been extensively studied for their mental health benefits. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, massage and complementary therapies encourage the body to enter a state of rest and recovery, which can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Regular hands-on treatments can help individuals manage chronic stress, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality—crucial components for maintaining mental health. Additionally, massage and complementary therapies promote the release of natural mood-regulating hormones like cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine, which can lower stress levels and foster a sense of calm and well-being.
Holistic Massage: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Wellbeing
Holistic massage is a therapeutic approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
This type of massage is tailored to your individual and specific needs, addressing both physical discomfort and emotional stress.
By promoting deep relaxation and reducing muscle tension, holistic massage can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the calming environment and personalised care provided during your holistic massage session can encourage mindfulness and body awareness, helping you reconnect with yourself and find balance in your life.
Find out more about treatments available here.
Indian Head Massage: A Soothing Remedy for Stress and Anxiety
Indian Head Massage is a deeply relaxing therapy that focuses on the head, neck, and shoulders—areas where stress and tension can often accumulate.
This treatment is particularly effective for alleviating stress, reducing anxiety, and promoting mental clarity. A study on the physical and psychological concluded head massage reduced anxiety.
The gentle, rhythmic movements used in Indian Head Massage stimulate circulation and encourage the release of endorphins, which can enhance mood and provide a sense of well-being.
This therapy is ideal for individuals who experience mental fatigue, headaches, or tension due to stress.
Find out more about treatments available here
Reflexology: Balancing Mind and Body
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet, hands, or ears, which correspond to different organs and systems in your body.
This practice is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and promote balance.
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for mental health as it can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve sleep quality. With studies showing that and increase in foot reflexology time was directly correlated to a decrease in anxiety. The release of endorphins during a reflexology session can also elevate mood and provide relief from feelings of depression.
Find out more about reflexology treatments here.
Aromatherapy: Enhancing Mood with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. These oils are often integrated into massage and complementary therapy treatments to enhance their effects.
Every essential oil has unique properties and after consultation a bespoke blend will be mixed. As well as the benefits from topical application, inhalation of these natural aromas during your treatment deepens relaxation and supports your mental well-being.
Evidence from studies on the effects of psychoaromatherpy conculded that aromatherapy provides a potentially effective treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, taking into account the available information on safety, aromatherapy appears to be without the adverse effects of many conventional psychotropic drugs.
Find out more about aromatherapy treatments here.
Reiki: Energy Healing for Emotional Balance
Reiki is a form of energy healing that focuses on balancing your body’s energy fields to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
This gentle, non-invasive therapy involves your therapist placing their hands on or near your body to channel healing energy.
Reiki can help reduce stress, calm the mind, and enhance emotional resilience. In fact the National Library of Medicine states research suggests that Reiki may be more effective in treating some areas of mental health, than placebos, particularly if symptoms are clinically relevant.
Many individuals find that Reiki helps them process difficult emotions, gain clarity, and achieve a sense of peace, making it a valuable tool for supporting your mental wellbeing.
Find out more about Reiki in this blog.
Final Thoughts
Massage therapy and complementary therapies offer promising benefits for mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, improving sleep, and promoting mindfulness.
While these therapies should complement, rather than replace, traditional mental health treatments, they provide a valuable, holistic approach to your mental well-being.
If you’re considering integrating these therapies into your mental health care plan, contact Lorraine or another qualified practitioner to explore the best options for your needs.
By incorporating Indian Head Massage, Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, and Aromatherapy into your self-care routine, you can create a supportive environment for mental health that nurtures both your body and mind.
