Massage ‘Works’ for SAD

What is SAD? Reduced amounts of sunlight during winter’s short days can cause mood and behavioral changes known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Depression, fatigue and food binging are common among those who suffer from this disorder. SAD is further complicated by the fact that many of us spend too little time outside in natural light or spend our working days in artificially-lighted buildings.
Light is a nutrient that naturally raises serotonin levels in our brain. Serotonin is a neurohormone that has been shown to alleviate depression and/or pain levels. There are a number of different ways to alleviate symptoms such as changing the light bulbs in your house to full spectrum.
Aerobic exercise will release endorphin hormones. Take a walk in the fresh air on a bright, sunny day. Take a vacation to the south. Spend time with friends. Learn to meditate. Practice Yoga. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods. Book yourself a massage.
Massage, as it helps the body relax, releases endorphins, increases serotonin levels, lowers stress and increases immune system response. Reducing your stress and being around supportive people who make you feel comfortable can help SAD sufferers control their moods. Massage fulfills both of these needs. Massage helps both the body and mind leave the “fight or flight” part of our nervous systems and move into our parasympathetic nervous systems where we can find our natural relaxation response.
While stress makes our muscles shorten and tighten, massage does just the opposite by softening and lengthening our muscles. In addition, massage helps balance our endocrine system, which is responsible for the release of hormones.
Moreover, for the hour or 90 minutes of your massage you are with a supportive person with whom you feel comfortable. Massage is an ideal substance-free method for increasing serotonin levels. Aromatherapy, which can be used during massage, is also helpful in controlling the symptoms of SAD. The smells from essential oils can stimulate positive emotions by affecting our limbic system. The essential oils that treat the symptoms of SAD best include
Basil, Orange, Sandalwood, Lemon, Jasmine, Sage, Chamomile, and Peppermint.
We invite you to visit our facility or call us at 609-465-2202. Our office is conveniently located at 804 Route 9 South in Cape May Court House. And remember: Massage Works!