Yes, scientific evidence supports the claims that massage therapy can improve mental well-being and mental health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of massage on mental health:

 

1. Stress Reduction: Research, including a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2010), has shown that massage therapy can significantly reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

 

2. Anxiety and Depression: Several studies, such as one in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2016), suggest that massage therapy can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels.

 

3. Sleep Improvement: Research in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2015) indicates that massage can improve sleep quality, contributing to overall mental well-being.

 

These findings collectively support the idea that massage therapy plays a valuable role in enhancing mental health and promoting a sense of well-being.