Massage Therapy

Cortisol, also known as the “fight or flight” hormone, is released in response to events that produce stress and anxiety. When cortisol is produce, the human body temperature rises, heart rate increases, and muscles tense up. Essentially, the body is put on high alert. Addicts often use drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression. This state makes it more challenging to shake off their addictive habits and creates an additional herdle for individuals who are in detox.

Finding effective methods of stress relief is a critical aspect of the detox process. These practices are best when they address the emotional and physiological aspects of detox, such as anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and pain. Massage therapy is an alternative addiction treatment method utilized at Level Up Lake Worth. With a direct effect on cortisol production, this form of physical and emotional therapy has been tremendously successful in reducing stress and providing much needed relaxation during detox.

In addition to stress relief, massage therapy is an ideal addiction treatment therapy because it helps relieve pain. Studies have shown massage to increase beta-endorphines by about 16% in the human body. Endorphines are the body’s natural pain reliever and are a potent analgesic between 18 and 33 times stronger than morphine. The increase in positive feelings helps create momentum for the start of a successful detox program.

Massage therapy is invaluable during detoxification. This is because it not only helps the body initiate and progress through detox, but it also helps alleviate many of the common symptoms. Although the body naturally processes most of the toxins that drugs introduce to the body, sometimes residual toxins stay in the muscles and tissues. This can cause withdrawal symptoms to last longer. Massage is a physical, hands-on technique that can release the toxins from tissues throughout the body and ensure total detox.

When a licensed massage therapist is doing their work, they are loosening up the muscles throughout the body. When the muscles loosen, it increases blood flow and lymph circulation. These are the avenues that help rid the body of toxins and waste and bring oxygen to your muscles. Usually, exercise and breathing are what keeps the lymphatic system moving. Unfortunately, many addictive substances such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines make the user drowsy and slow breathing. During detox, the individual may be so low energy that they are not motivated to move much. Massage requires little to no effort on the client’s part. The applied pressure and physical manipulation can reach deep, clogged nodes and drastically assist during these times.

Massage therapy does not just help remove toxins. In fact, it provides numerous benefits during detox and beyond. These benefits include inducing a state of relaxation, enhancing the production of serotonin (the happiness hormone), reducing stress, and creating an overall better sense of wellbeing. With the inclusion of massage, a client may experience a more efficient detox process, fewer cravings, and a better outlook on their recovery. These benefits can reduce the rates of relapse and improve success with long-term sobriety.