post traumatic stress disorder and massage

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is real illness and affects people in different ways. It is caused after seeing or living through a traumatic or dangerous event. Veterans of war often suffer with PTSD because of the war time environment and the horrors they have to endure.

Does this mean only veterans can have PTSD? Absolutely not, any stressful event can cause PTSD. A serious car accident, a hurricane or flood, fire, violent crime, can all cause PTSD. The points is, if you have witnessed or lived through such an event and are still feeling stressed or afraid weeks, months, or years after the danger has passed you may have PTSD.

PTSD SYMPTOMS†

* Bad dreams

* Flashbacks, or the feeling the event is happening again

* Scary thoughts you can’t control

* Staying away from places and things that remind you of what happened

* Feeling worried, sad, or guilty

* Feeling alone

* Trouble sleeping

* Feeling on edge

* Angry outbursts

* Thoughts of hurting yourself or others

If you have any of these symptoms you should consult with your doctor or a mental health professional.

How can Massage Help With PTSD?

PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by a stressful event. There are medications that help with PTSD. The trouble with medications they can have a variety of side effects. Massage is a holistic way of approaching PTSD with out any of the harmful side effects that medication may have. It is best to consult with your doctor before you start any form of treatment.Massage provides emotional and physical benefits. Research has proven that massage can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. We all need human touch; this is part of our genetic make up. When dealing with emotional disturbances; touch is an integral part of the healing process. Massage is one way that provides this healing touch.

Massage Reduces Stress

Studies show that massage can alleviate the physical symptoms of stress. Massage helps reduce muscle tension and pain, lowers blood pressure, and promotes deep breathing. Massage creates a general sense of well-being and promotes relaxation. This will help increase sensitivity to the state of the body; making it easier to determine when to a person should engage in de-stressing activities.

Massage Relieves Anxiety

Receiving massage reduces anxiety by promoting a sense of calmness. The soothing touch of a caring massage therapist goes a lot further than just the physical relief of symptoms. Anxiety can create a nervous tension in ones mind that seems unexplainable. Massage helps a person achieve a sense of calmness; thereby relieving the mental nervousness.

Massage Helps Depression

As more people are seeking alternatives to medications and the side effects they cause; research studies are demonstrating the healing effects of massage in cases of depression. Massage helps promote detoxification of the body by increasing blood and lymph flow. Massage also helps the body release hormones and neurochemicals that help regulate ones mood. Emotional balance is vital for people suffering with depression. The caring touch of a massage therapist helps provide that emotional balance. When a balance of the mind and body is achieved; ones quality of life is improved.

When To Seek Help For PTSD?

If you think you have PTSD you should consult with you doctor or a mental health professional. Ask them if massage therapy would be a viable means of treatment.

† National Institute of Mental Health