Introducing Complimentary Therapies
There are so many proven methods that can provide the support necessary for a good quality of life. Strategies that promote wellness are all too often overlooked, and wellness strategies are rarely factored into the equation for living a high functioning life. I discuss these concepts heavily in my upcoming book, Breakthrough, allowing you to begin to improve and ultimately enhance your own quality of life in a low cost, affordable fashion.
In this blog, I will discuss some therapies that can be used to supplement your prescribed treatments which may decrease some of your symptoms and therefore, improve your overall well-being. Each therapy that I introduce will be discussed as it relates to mental illnesses and will include the latest evidence which support the use of the therapy in the field of mental illness. Some therapies will vary in the degree of benefit obtained, so it is important to keep an open mind and discuss any interest you have in these ideas with your physician.
The Center for Disease Control states that in the United States in 2013, 25% of all adults have a mental illness (CDC, 2013). Pharmacological treatments often prove to be effective, and many individuals can benefit from easily accessible and cost effective treatment. But what about other complementary treatments and their use in decreasing symptoms of mental illness? Let’s discuss a few facts about massage therapy and one concerning a particular facet of mental illness; depression.
The American Massage Therapy Association [AMTA], reports that massage therapy is beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression. (AMTA, 2011). According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Depression can adversely affect the course and outcome of common chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Depression also can result in increased work absenteeism, short-term disability, and decreased productivity."2.
One in 10 adults in the United States suffer from depression. There is evidence that massage therapy can reduce symptoms of depression. This is a summary of a manuscript entitled “Treatment Effects of Massage Therapy in Depressed People; A Meta-Analysis,
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry by Wen-Hsuan Hou, MD, MSc; Pai-Tsung Chiang, MD, MPH; Tun-Yen Hsu, MD; Su-Ying Chiu, BA; and Yung-Chieh Yen, MD, MSc, PhD. (2010). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(7).894-901.
A meta-analysis was conducted of randomized control trials (RCT) of massage in depressed individuals and a total of 17 studies (n=786) were conducted using a Jaded scale. Studies with infants and pregnant women were excluded. The RCT were determined to be of moderate quality (mean quality score=6.4, SD=8.5). A pooled mean indicated that massage therapy is significantly linked with a decrease in symptoms in the treatment group. The study details can be accessed at: http://www.psychiatrist.com/JCP/article/Pages/2010/v71n07/v71n0710.aspx.
There is anecdotal evidence that massage reduces symptoms of depression in people who regularly have massages. But, as of now, more studies need to be conducted. When I have a massage, I know my body and my mood is greatly improved, but I have not participated in a randomized control trial in order to document the proof of this outcome. The benefits of massage will ultimately be understood when individuals like yourself report to physicians that this complementary modality benefits you in ways that enhance your quality of life and ultimately improve your ability to function.
1 Center for Disease Control (2013). Retrieved November 9, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealthsurveillance/fact_sheet.html
2 American Massage Therapy Association (2011). Position statement, retrieved November 9, 2014 from http://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Can-Reduce-Symptoms-of-Depression.html
3 Wen-Hsuan Hou, MD, MSc; Pai-Tsung Chiang, MD, MPH; Tun-Yen Hsu, MD; Su-Ying Chiu, BA; and Yung-Chieh Yen, MD, MSc, PhD. (2010). Treatment Effects of Massage Therapy in Depressed People; A Meta-Analysis, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(7).894-901.
Disclaimer: The intent of this information is to provide information and include the evidence to date that is available for some complementary modalities and never to recommend or prescribe any treatments.