depression symptoms,
massage can heal feelings of depression

Depression symptoms or even a feeling of low energy can be improved with regular massages.

Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system. When the skin is massaged it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain like serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

It's known that the skin and nervous system are intimately connected. A single part of the developing foetus known as the neuroectoderm gives rise to both.

Humans are tactile beings, from the moment of our birth and throughout our lives until death, touch plays an important role in our health. For massage therapists, it is very easy to see how the skin, as the largest organ of the body, reflects physical and emotional health. Looking back, we can all remember a time when hurt or distress has been "healed" by touch, such as Mom kissing a banged up knee, or when we've received a comforting hug from a family member or friend. Touch can express joy and love.

If you are feeling even a little anxious, massage therapy can help you, think of it as a preventive therapy, and enjoy the healing power of touch.

Depression symptoms vary as there are different forms of depressive disorders.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome, also known as SADS
During the winter months when there is not enough sunlight. When deprived of light, people tend to become depressed, have mood swings or even become ill. The depression affects the body, the abdominal cavity and shuts down the immune system, massage therapy techniques can get the body out of the collapsed state.

Major depressive disorder is a disabling depressive disorder that interferes in your daily life. It makes it very difficult to get up in the morning and participate in daily activities. People who get this depressive disorder often have it more than once.

• Psychotic depressive disorder is when you experience hallucinations and delusions along with your sadness. People who have this disorder lose touch with reality.
• Dysthymic disorder(dysthymia) lasts two or more years. This is long term depressive disorder isn't disabling but is still very difficult to deal with.
• Postpartum depression is when a new mother has a depressive episode after giving birth. This usually occurs within a month after delivery.

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