Massage as a Tool in Recovery

Here is an excellent explanation by By Joni Kosakoski, BSN, RN, CARN of why massage works in recovery from additions - and other physical and mental issues from Counselor,The Magazine for Addiction Professionals

Massage: Hands Down, a Treatment for Addiction

Massage in addiction treatment
In order to more fully understand the place that massage therapy holds in the treatment of addictions during the detoxification phase, it is important to look at the biochemistry of addiction in the brain. Much attention has been directed to the mesolimbic reward system, the so-called “pleasure pathway” of the brain. The area is activated in part by the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, the chemical messenger responsible for making us feel good when we engage in any pleasurable activity. It is well known that dopamine is significantly involved in addiction and that dopamine levels are lower than average during the withdrawal process and into early recovery until brain chemistry normalizes. Therefore, any measure, such as massage, that can naturally increase the level of dopamine is a welcome addition to the standard pharmacological interventions most commonly used during the detoxification process. In addition, massage promotes the circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid so that more nutrients are brought to the tissues and organ systems and toxins and other waste products are more rapidly eliminated.

Complete article