Massages may help alleviate symptoms of depression. Massage has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce muscle pain, and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, all of which can contribute to improved mood and decreased feelings of depression.

 

A meta-analysis of 17 studies published in the journal Depression and Anxiety found that massage therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage therapy improved both depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder.