The light massage offer an interesting complementary treatment for depression in people with various psychiatric disorders, according to a German study a .
In the past, other researchers have studied the effect of massage on depression, with positive results. This latest study differs from earlier ones because it was conducted among people diagnosed with psychiatric disorder.
The researchers recruited 32 people with acute depression (24 women and 8 men) in the department of psychiatry of a university hospital in Berlin. Their average age was 48 years. Participants were divided into two groups: a "gentle massage, and a control group received relaxation sessions, but without touching. The sessions, five in number, lasted about 60 minutes and took place every two to three days. All participants continued taking their antidepressant medications.
By comparing the before and after, the researchers noted a marked improvement in symptoms of depression (mood, motivation, thoughts, etc..) And well-being among all participants. However, those in group "gentle massage" have benefited from better than the control group on four areas: psychological stress, restlessness, mood and tension in the neck and shoulders.
This type of massage is practiced with slow movements of hands and a light touch, like hugs. The researchers wanted to target the skin rather than the muscles or connective tissues, because the skin is closely linked to identity. Thus, this type of touch sends a positive message to the person.
As noted D Dr. Edzard Ernst 2 , who holds a chair in complementary medicine in the United Kingdom, gentle massage offer adjuvant therapy without risk. In addition, they have the advantage of being carried by relatives or by hospital staff.
Marie-Michele Mantha - PasseportSanté.net
1. Muller-Oerlinghausen B, Berg C, Scherer P, et al. [Effects of slow-stroke massage as Complementary Treatment of Hospitalized depressed patients] . [Article in German, English summary]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr . 2004 Jun 11; 129 (24) :1363-8.
In the past, other researchers have studied the effect of massage on depression, with positive results. This latest study differs from earlier ones because it was conducted among people diagnosed with psychiatric disorder.
The researchers recruited 32 people with acute depression (24 women and 8 men) in the department of psychiatry of a university hospital in Berlin. Their average age was 48 years. Participants were divided into two groups: a "gentle massage, and a control group received relaxation sessions, but without touching. The sessions, five in number, lasted about 60 minutes and took place every two to three days. All participants continued taking their antidepressant medications.
By comparing the before and after, the researchers noted a marked improvement in symptoms of depression (mood, motivation, thoughts, etc..) And well-being among all participants. However, those in group "gentle massage" have benefited from better than the control group on four areas: psychological stress, restlessness, mood and tension in the neck and shoulders.
This type of massage is practiced with slow movements of hands and a light touch, like hugs. The researchers wanted to target the skin rather than the muscles or connective tissues, because the skin is closely linked to identity. Thus, this type of touch sends a positive message to the person.
As noted D Dr. Edzard Ernst 2 , who holds a chair in complementary medicine in the United Kingdom, gentle massage offer adjuvant therapy without risk. In addition, they have the advantage of being carried by relatives or by hospital staff.
Marie-Michele Mantha - PasseportSanté.net
1. Muller-Oerlinghausen B, Berg C, Scherer P, et al. [Effects of slow-stroke massage as Complementary Treatment of Hospitalized depressed patients] . [Article in German, English summary]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr . 2004 Jun 11; 129 (24) :1363-8.
2. Summaries / Commentaries, E Ernst. Massage Elevate mood in depressed patients. Focus Altern Complement Ther. 2005, 10: 46-7.
