March 23, 2010 – Relaxation sessions in a comfortable atmosphere bathed in soothing music would provide the same benefits as massages to relieve certain symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder: muscle tension, fatigue, and insomnia.
These are the conclusions of a small American study1 attended by 68 people. The specialists divided the patients into 3 groups. Each used a relaxation technique chosen from among the most popular alternative medicine treatments in the United States: Swedish massage, heat therapy2 or relaxation with deep breathing techniques. The sessions took place over a 12-week period, for a total of 10 sessions of 1 hour each.
At the end of the study, all participants reported a 40% decrease in their anxiety symptoms, a figure that jumped to 50% 3 months later. The subjects studied also said they experienced fewer symptoms related to depression, worry and some physical disabilities.
The beneficial effects of massage therapy for relieving anxiety have been found in numerous studies. According to the researchers of the present study, the results are surprising since they expected greater benefits from massages. Relaxation techniques are an inexpensive alternative treatment compared to a massage or heat therapy session, they point out.
Danny Raymond – HealthPassport.net
1. Sherman KJ, Ludman EJ et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Depress Anxiety. 2010 Feb 23.
2. Therapeutic use of heat (hot water, hot air, sun, electric lamp, etc.).
