A Chinese medicine cupping of the young lady
Massages are known to decrease stress hormones and increase dopamine in the brain, so it makes sense that they would be helpful for drug addicts as well. Many rehab centers in China are now using massage therapy to help ease withdrawal symptoms during the early detox process. Rehabs in the United States are now following suit with massage therapy added to many treatment programs across the country.
In the Gansu Province, six rehabs are teaching patients how to press 23 different acupuncture points on their hands, feet, and torso. As we have discussed in previous articles, acupuncture can be an excellent tool in recovery. Pressure point massages target the same areas without the use of needles.
During detox, massage therapy can help in the recovery process by repairing the communication between the mind and body. Massage therapy helps in detox to relieve pain, reduce cravings and enhance immune function.
While research on massage therapy is still limited, a number of studies continue to emphasize the benefits of massage therapy to reduce anxiety, reduce cravings, and reduce depression. Massage also encourages respect for the body. Addicts are reminded that their body’s are naturally built for pleasure and that they do not need drugs or alcohol to feel this way.
Massage therapy offers the following benefits:
- Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- Increases the body’s disease-fighting cells
- Enhances weight gains in pre-term infants
- Increases lymph flow
- Improves certain types of back pain
- Reduces anxiety
- Relieves stress
Drug treatment centers in major cities in Beijing and Shanghai started using massage therapy to aid in the withdrawal process, particularly since most Chinese rehab facilities shy away from Western medications. For many, massage therapy has been an excellent resource:
“When I began this program, I had insomnia and my dreams were always about drugs,” said Wang Li, a patient in Gansu Province. “This therapy has helped me reconnect with my body and fight my addiction.”
Many clinical studies have shown that massage therapy helps in releasing toxins in the body which helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms and strengthening the immune system. A recent research project out of Lanzhou University also revealed that those who attended these massage seasons had a higher success in recovery than those who did not participate.
Massage therapy is used in recovery in countries all around the world and has been for years. Many rehabs have benefited from the use of massage therapy as part of a holistic treatment program. In 1998, the Touch Research Institute release evidence that showed that regular massages increased dopamine levels while decreasing cortisol levels. These results make it especially useful in a detox program.
Massage therapy also helps on an emotional and physical level. In 2003, Joni Kosakoski wrote in an article how regular massages in recovery help patients increase awareness of their bodies. He also stated that massages help addicts understand the emotions or pain that come with drug cravings.
“Emotional release can commonly occur with massage, which provides a safe, non-threatening opportunity to begin the process of recovering long-buried emotions and memories,” wrote Kosakoski. “To allow oneself to surrender to the practitioner’s hands—to breathe fully and easily, to acknowledge and receive the gifts of nurturing, surrender and relaxation…is an invaluable addition to the newly recovering person’s repertoire of relapse-prevention skills.”
Overall, massage therapy is very useful in recovery as part of a full holistic drug treatment program. If you are struggling with drug and alcohol, seek professional help today so that you can get on the right track. Do not wait, now is the time to overcome your addiction.
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