Moments of stillness are rare—and deeply needed. As stress and anxiety continue to impact mental and physical wellbeing, more people are seeking holistic, nurturing ways to find balance. A stress relief massage offers one such pathway. Far beyond a momentary pause, massages are a proven tool to calm your mind, ease tension, and support your emotional wellbeing.
Regular massage is a mindful ritual that helps you reconnect with yourself, restore balance, and nurture your natural resilience.
why massage for stress and anxiety is effective
When you feel stressed, your body often carries the weight of it with tight shoulders, headaches, and restless sleep. Massage works on both the body and mind, helping to reset your nervous system and bring you back to a calmer state.
activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Massage helps shift your body out of “fight or flight” mode and into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. This slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and encourages deep, restorative breathing¹.
reducing cortisol and lifting mood
Studies show stress relief massage can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, while supporting the release of serotonin and dopamine—the neurotransmitters linked with mood, relaxation, and emotional balance².
releasing physical and mental tension
Because our mental and physical states are so closely connected, relieving muscle tightness through massage also helps ease anxious thoughts and feelings. Over time, regular sessions can support your overall resilience to stress triggers.
immediate calm and long-term benefits
While you’ll likely feel lighter and more centred after just one session, the benefits of massage build over time. Consistent massage can help you sleep better, manage daily stressors more calmly, and feel more grounded in your own skin³.
why massage for stress and anxiety is effective
When you feel stressed, your body often carries the weight of it with tight shoulders, headaches, and restless sleep. Massage works on both the body and mind, helping to reset your nervous system and bring you back to a calmer state.
activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Massage helps shift your body out of “fight or flight” mode and into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. This slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and encourages deep, restorative breathing¹.
reducing cortisol and lifting mood
Studies show stress relief massage can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, while supporting the release of serotonin and dopamine—the neurotransmitters linked with mood, relaxation, and emotional balance².
releasing physical and mental tension
Because our mental and physical states are so closely connected, relieving muscle tightness through massage also helps ease anxious thoughts and feelings. Over time, regular sessions can support your overall resilience to stress triggers.
immediate calm and long-term benefits
While you’ll likely feel lighter and more centred after just one session, the benefits of massage build over time. Consistent massage can help you sleep better, manage daily stressors more calmly, and feel more grounded in your own skin³.
key benefits of massage for mental health
lowers cortisol and eases physical symptoms of stress
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress-related hormones, which may also lead to fewer headaches and more relaxed muscles⁴.
supports emotional regulation and mental clarity
By boosting serotonin and dopamine levels, massage helps you feel calmer and more focused. It’s a simple, natural way to help reduce mental fatigue and reactivity.
promotes better sleep
Massage encourages deeper, more restful sleep, especially for those whose stress and anxiety keep them awake at night.
eases anxiety symptoms
Research has found that massage can be beneficial for those experiencing anxiety, helping calm the nervous system and reduce overstimulation⁵.
improves overall wellbeing and body awareness
Regular stress relief massage promotes mindfulness and strengthens your connection between mind and body, helping you tune in to how you’re feeling.
massage techniques for stress and anxiety
Different massage styles can support your wellbeing in unique ways:
full body massage
A gentle, flowing massage that nurtures the whole body, like our Organic Relax Massage, which is ideal for releasing general tension and encouraging stillness. This massage nurtures your ability to unwind, increasing feel-good endorphins while gently lowering cortisol, the stress hormone⁶.
hot stone massage
Our Soothing Stones Massage is a deeply restorative treatment that combines warm Shiatsu stones and gentle massage to melt away tension, improve circulation, and restore balance. The soothing heat from the stones encourages blood flow, eases muscle tightness, and promotes deep relaxation. You’ll emerge feeling rested, centred, and renewed.
deep tissue massage
Deep Tissue Massage targets deeper muscle layers to ease chronic tension. While more physical, it can also bring mental relief as physical tightness melts away. Our holistic approach helps rebalance your muscles and skeletal system, supporting your body to move with greater ease and less discomfort.
custom stress-relief massages
Refresh and restore with a Customised Massage designed specifically to ease the stress and tension unique to you so that you leave feeling lighter and more centred.
working massage into a mental wellness routine
To truly experience the benefits of massage, think of massage as part of your regular self-care ritual:
- Frequency: For ongoing stress relief, consider a massage fortnightly or monthly.
- Complementary practices: Pair with breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle movement to synergistically boost your results.
- Choose what feels right: Whether you’re addressing physical tension or emotional overwhelm, your therapist can recommend the best treatment for your needs.
massage for stress FAQs
How often should I get a stress relief massage?
Fortnightly or monthly massage treatments are ideal for long-term stress management.
Can massage really help with anxiety?
Yes. While not a substitute for professional mental health support, massage has been shown to calm the nervous system and support emotional balance⁷.
What type of massage is best for stress relief?
Gentle, full-body treatments like our Organic Relax Massage are ideal, but your therapist can also recommend a stress-relieving massage that’s suited to you.
How quickly will stress be relieved after a massage?
Many people feel more relaxed after just one session, but regular visits help build lasting resilience.
Should I tell my therapist if I’m feeling anxious?
Absolutely. Your therapist can adjust techniques and pressure to help you feel safe, supported, and comfortable.
the stillness you desire
Choosing to have a massage isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about reclaiming moments of calm that ripple into every part of your life. With every treatment, you’re nurturing your body and your mind. It’s important to feel this connection, and your endota therapist is here to guide you at any of our over 100 spa locations.
disclaimer
This content has been informed by peer-reviewed research and reviewed for accuracy. It does not replace personalised medical advice.
sources
¹Sherman KJ, et al. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMC2922919
²Sherman KJ, et al. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMC2922919
³Moyer CA, et al. Massage therapy effects on anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis. Psychol Bull. 2004
⁴Quinn, C., Chandler, C., & Moraska, A. (2002). Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1657–1661. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.92.10.1657
⁵Sherman KJ, et al. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMC2922919
⁶Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. PMID: 16162447 DOI: 10.1080/00207450590956459
⁷Sherman KJ, et al. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMC2922919
