Massage and Mental Health Benefits
Massage and Mental Health Benefits
Massage therapy is one of the more powerful complementary tools available for supporting mental health, and many clients see real results from it. It is only logical, as massage is known to decrease stress levels, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance the emotional state in general. It involves physical contact with relaxation methods, which means that it affects the body and the mind, reducing physiological reactions to stress and promoting feelings of relaxation and unity. It is becoming widely accepted in the field of wellness and medical practice, and more studies are finding a place in its use alongside therapy, medication, or lifestyle modification.
Massage works through several physical and psychological pathways:
Reduces stress hormones: Sessions decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol (averaging 31% decreases in studies) and increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine (averaging 28% and 31% increases respectively), which are natural mood elevators.
Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system: This shifts the body from a state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, which slows down heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
Enhances sleep and mood: Massage, which improves sleep and reduces physical discomfort, provides a break from the rumination or irritability cycle.
Offers people human touch: Therapeutic touch combats isolation, creates safety, and helps release potentially accumulated emotional tension.
Many individuals feel lighter, more balanced, and less stressed after just a single session. The effects become cumulative with repeated sessions.
Evidence from Research
Research backs up these benefits, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (including recent 2023-2025 studies) show generally positive outcomes:
A 2024 comprehensive systematic review (West & Huzij) analyzed 34 high-quality studies and found that 83% of the massage-focused studies reported statistically significant reductions in anxiety levels. The review concluded that different forms of manual tissue manipulation, including massage, consistently lowered anxiety symptoms.
A 2024 trial examined traditional Thai massage as complementary therapy in patients with major depressive disorder, with participants receiving 90-minute sessions twice weekly for eight weeks alongside standard antidepressant treatment.
Research on aromatherapy massage using lavender, chamomile, and rosemary essential oils showed that elderly adults who received regular 20-minute sessions three times per week witnessed remarkable reduction in both anxiety and depression levels.
The September 2025 special issue of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork explores the critical intersection of therapeutic massage and bodywork (TMB) and mental health, emphasizing the growing body of research supporting its role in psychological well-being.
Even brief interventions (e.g., 10-30 minutes) can have immediate effects, such as reduced state anxiety, improved mood, and more energy; effects found in non-clinical and clinical populations.
Massage is supported in terms of mental health by groups such as the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) because it is safe and part of integrative care. Short-term relief and medium-term relief are best supported with strong evidence, and massage tends to increase the benefits of other interventions in combination.
Key Mental Health Benefits
Anxiety relief: Lessens both the intensity and physiological symptoms (i.e., racing thoughts, tension).
Symptom management of depression: Eases depressed mood, lack of energy, and emotional heaviness.
Stress relief: Reduces the amount of stress per day and induces relaxation.
Mood enhancement: Increases mood and emotional stability.
Better sleep: Indirectly supports mental health by enhancing rest.
General wellbeing: Promotes a feeling of connection and belonging, particularly in individuals with chronic conditions.
Practical Outlooks and Tips
Massage does not stand on its own against serious mental health disorders, but rather works better as a complement. Seek the care of a mental health professional in cases of diagnosed conditions.
To get the best results:
Choose a licensed therapist experienced in mental health support.
Opt for techniques like Swedish (relaxing) or therapeutic massage.
Start with 45–60 minute sessions; weekly or bi-weekly works well for many.
To experience how massage provides a nurturing and accessible way to support mental health, book your self care restoration hour and begin to manage your mental wellness needs via physical relief.
Disclaimer
The content in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation before starting any new treatment or wellness routine.This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I truly believe in from companies that I personally trust.
References
American Massage Therapy Association. (n.d.). Massage for mental health [Press release]. https://www.amtamassage.org/about/news/press-release-massage-for-mental-health/
American Massage Therapy Association. (2025, May 14). Massage therapy shown to support mental health: New research highlights [Press release]. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/massage-therapy-shown-to-support-mental-health-new-research-highlights-302455419.html
Chompoopan, W., Eungpinichpong, W., Arunpongpaisal, S., & Chompoopan, W. (2024). Efficacy of traditional Thai massage as adjunctive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder. Health Promotion Perspectives, 14(2), 168–174. https://doi.org/10.34172/hpp.42625
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397–1413. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450590956459
Mehrabian, S., Tirgari, B., Forouzi, M. A., Tajadini, H., & Jahani, Y. (2022). Effect of aromatherapy massage on depression and anxiety of elderly adults: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 15(1), 37–45. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v15i1.645
West, K. L., & Huzij, T. (2024). A systematic review of manual therapy modalities and anxiety. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 124(11), 487–497. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2024-0001