Massage therapy for clients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Question
How can massage therapy help individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Answer
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by reduced sunlight exposure, most commonly occurring in the winter months. Symptoms include low mood, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. The disorder is thought to be linked to disruptions in melatonin and serotonin production, which affect mood regulation and circadian rhythms.
Massage therapy can serve as a valuable complementary intervention for individuals with SAD by promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall mood. By increasing serotonin levels and reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, massage may help alleviate some of the physiological effects of seasonal depression. Additionally, incorporating warm therapies, such as heated stones or warm towels, can provide additional comfort during colder months when SAD symptoms are most pronounced. Massage therapists should also encourage clients to combine bodywork with other evidence-based treatments such as light therapy and physical activity for optimal benefits.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "Touching the Mind: Mental and Mood Disorders for Massage Therapists," presented by Ruth Werner, BA, BCTMB, Ret.
Ruth Werner
BA, BCTMB, Ret.
Topics
Related Courses
Introduction to Research Literacy for Massage Therapists
This course introduces key concepts in research literacy for massage therapists. Research hierarchy and the components of research literacy will be discussed, as well as the “anatomy” of research papers so that participants will be able to pursue their own topics of interest and incorporate research findings into clinical decision-making.
A Massage Therapist's Guide to Communicable Diseases
Massage therapists must stay current on public health issues to keep themselves and their clients safe. Learn updates on hygienic methods and best practices and review immune system function, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis A, B, and C, MRSA, and influenza. All this is provided in the context of providing safe and effective massage therapy for clients who may be affected by these conditions.
Introduction to Hospital-Based Massage Therapy
As more hospitals incorporate massage therapy into integrative and palliative care, there is a growing demand for competent and knowledgeable massage therapists. This course introduces the necessary requirements, education and clinical reasoning skills needed to provide massage therapy in a hospital setting.