Types of Massage Therapy for Depression

Hot stone massage is just one type of massage therapy used to treat depression.special volcanic stone massage session at a spa center image by Viacheslav Anyakin from Fotolia.com

Endorsed by both the Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine for lessening depression symptoms, massage therapy promotes relaxation and stress and anxiety relief. Massage therapy provides an alternative to the usual counseling or psychotherapy most often prescribed for the depressed, and it also can be used in conjunction with these treatments. A few examples of massage therapy that may help depression include, Swedish massage, hot stone massage and Thai massage.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage relieves muscle tension and soothes nerves, and often leads to a reduction in both anxiety and depression. Swedish massage therapy is often characterized as a gentle massage that promotes relaxation and tension-relief. A study, lead by Cassileth and Vickers and published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management in 2004, focused on 1,290 cancer patients---all of whom were experiencing moderate to high levels of anxiety and depression. After receiving Swedish massage therapy, depression, stress and anxiety levels in the patients decreased by approximately 50 percent.

Hot stone massage therapy uses iron-rich, smooth, flat, heated stones in combination with classic massage therapy techniques, such as circular and kneading techniques. This type of massage therapy also relies on a belief in the energy centers of the body. Massage therapists place heated stones on certain affected parts of the body, such as on tight muscles, specific places on the back or even the palm of the hand. The stones also may be centered along the body's energy centers, which is thought to re-balance the body and mind. The heat from the stones loosens and relaxes the muscles, improves circulation and may even calm the nervous system. These combined reactions work to relieve depression, according to Inada a website about the types of massages and their effect on depression.

Thai massage evolved from healing and religious traditions and techniques of Ayurveda and Thai Buddhism. Individuals who receive Thai massage actively participate in the process, as this massage is like an assisted form of yoga. Thai massage uses a mixture of traditional massage techniques, yoga postures, stretching and acupressure to get rid of and release "blockages" in the body. The massage incorporates both rhythmic motions and massage techniques along the body's energy lines. Benefits of Thai massage include pain relief, due to arthritis and stressed muscles; emotional calming; stress-reduction; and relaxation, according to Thai Bodywork School of Thai Massage.

Aromatherapy combines traditional massage therapy techniques, such as gentle rubbing and kneading, with scented plant oils, such as lavender, bergamot or lemongrass. The specific aromatherapy oils trigger parts of the brain and the limbic system, which can, in turn, affect the nervous system, hormones and a person's emotions. Specific aromatherapy oils for uplifting a depressed person's mood include bergamot, lemongrass, rosemary and sage. Soothing oils include chamomile, jasmine and lavender, according to Holistic Online.