1er June 2005 – Light massages would offer an interesting complementary treatment to counter depression in people with various psychiatric disorders, according to a German study1.
In the past, other researchers have looked at the effect of massage on depression, with positive results. This recent study differs from previous ones in that it was conducted with people diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
The researchers recruited 32 people with acute depression (24 women and 8 men) in the psychiatry department of a university hospital in Berlin. Their average age was 48 years old. The participants were divided into two groups: a “light massage” group, and a control group who benefited from the relaxation sessions, but without touching. The sessions, five in number, lasted about 60 minutes and took place every two to three days. All of the participants continued to take their antidepressant medication.
By comparing the before and after, the researchers noted a marked improvement in symptoms of depression (mood, motivation, thoughts, etc.) and physical well-being in all participants. However, those in the “light massage” group had greater improvement than those in the control group in four areas: psychological tension, restlessness, mood, and neck and shoulder tension.
This type of massage is performed with slow movements of the hands and light pressure, similar to caresses. The researchers wanted to target the skin rather than muscles or connective tissue, because the skin is intimately linked to identity. Thus, this type of touch conveys a positive message to the person.
As Dr Edzard Ernst2, holder of a Chair in Complementary Medicine in the United Kingdom, light massages offer a risk-free adjuvant treatment. In addition, they have the advantage of being able to be performed by relatives or even by hospital staff.
Marie-Michèle Mantha – PasseportSanté.net
1. Muller-Oerlinghausen B, Berg C, Scherer P, et al. [Effects of slow-stroke massage as complementary treatment of depressed hospitalized patients]. [Article en allemand, résumé en anglais]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2004 Jun 11; 129 (24): 1363-8.
2. Summaries / Commentaries, E Ernst. Massage elevates mood in depressed patients. Focus Altern Complement Ther. 2005; 10: 46–7.
