According to data from the Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, bulimic patients who received massage therapy experienced immediate decreases in anxiety and depression, according to certain psychological and behavioral measures.

According to the TRI's report, "Bulimic adolescent girls received massage therapy 2 times a week for 5 weeks. Effects included an improved body image, decreased depression and anxiety symptoms, decreased cortisol levels and increased dopamine and serotonin levels."

A similar study, also conducted by TRI, showed that anorexic patients also experienced an alleviation of symptoms as a result of massage therapy. According to study authors, "Massage therapy reduced anxiety, depressed mood, salivary cortisol (stress hormone) levels and body dissatisfaction and increased dopamine levels in women with anorexia."

(Sources: www6.miami.edu, www.massagemag.com)

Labels: bulimia, anorexia, anxiety disorders, massage therapy

Posted By: Aspen Education Group