Massage therapy is one of the most effective natural ways to fight seasonal depression and boost your mood during the colder months. If you struggle with low energy and sadness when the days get shorter, regular bodywork sessions may be exactly what you need. Whether you are dealing with full seasonal affective disorder or simply feeling a bit down during the winter, there are proven ways that therapeutic touch can help restore balance and vitality.
Feeling fatigued? Need more energy? Want to improve your mood? Some recent studies have shown that therapeutic bodywork can help reduce the winter blues. The winter blues, better known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depression that occurs during the same time each year, mostly during the fall and winter months. Although Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common where weather is more extreme, it still occurs in places like San Diego. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder report symptoms such as a loss of energy, appetite changes, anxiety, and trouble concentrating. It is estimated that 10-15 million Americans suffer from this each year.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is treatable however and some studies have shown that massage therapy can help diminish symptoms by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, the hormones that are responsible elevating mood and improving appetite and sleep. In addition, massage decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) levels which helps alleviate anxiety. One study at the University of Florida by Professor Chris Janiszwewski found that the sense of touch trumps the sense of sight in people suffering from depression. This means that for some individuals, therapeutic touch may be more beneficial than light therapy to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, a traditional treatment that uses bright light boxes to improve mood.
A benefit of using bodywork to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder is that the positive effects can be felt immediately. This is a natural treatment, and can be combined with other treatments (such as diet and exercise) to complete a holistic approach. At Happy Head Massage they offer a variety of massages that can be customized to your physical and mental needs. Be sure to make regular appointments to combat the winter blues and elevate your energy levels!
Beyond the chemical changes in your brain, regular sessions provide a sense of routine and self-care that is crucial during the winter months. When daylight hours shrink and outdoor activities become less appealing, having a standing appointment gives you something positive to look forward to each week. The warm, calming environment of a treatment room also provides a welcome escape from the cold and gray outside.
Deep tissue and Swedish techniques are particularly effective for combating winter fatigue. Deep tissue work releases chronic muscle tension that builds up when people become less active during colder weather. Swedish techniques promote full-body relaxation and improved circulation, helping you feel more energized and alert throughout the day.
Nutrition and exercise paired with regular bodywork sessions create a comprehensive approach to beating the winter blues. Many health professionals recommend combining these strategies for the best results. Even a single session per month can make a noticeable difference in how you feel during the darkest time of year.
Why Massage Helps Fight Seasonal Depression
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, regular therapeutic touch has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels while boosting serotonin and dopamine production. These chemical changes directly address the hormonal imbalances associated with seasonal affective disorder.
Beat the Winter Blues at Happy Head
Happy Head offers affordable sessions at all San Diego locations with no memberships or contracts required. Discover the full range of benefits of massage and book your appointment today to start feeling better this winter.
