Depression is something that a lot of people experience, especially these days when many are in crisis. The National Institute of Mental Health has even reported that up to 20 million people aged 18 and above experience clinical depression in the United States every year. Even people below the age of 18 do experience depression. In fact, it can be felt even by children. Aside from clinical depression, there is also the more ordinary depressive mood experienced by most everyone at one time or another, often referred to as "the blues." Clinical depression or its more benign counterpart can be treated or prevented with the help of massage therapy. Reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy are all beneficial against depression and are available from professional therapeutic massage spas in Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul and Blaine MN.

When one has clinical depression, it is no longer just a sad mood but is actually a serious illness. A person suffering from clinical depression not only feel anxious and hopeless but also experiences headaches, deep fatigue even without rigorous exertion, problems in sleeping, loss of appetite and problems in digestion. As clinical depression becomes even more severe, it interferes with the person's daily routines and normal functions. At times, this can lead to suicide.

Ordinary non-clinical depression should never be taken for granted either because if left untreated it could also develop into clinical depression.

Depression has been traced to be caused by the depletion of serotonin in a person's brain. Most of the anti-depressants prescribed by doctors therefore act by increasing the levels of serotonin in the patient's system. Experts from the Northwestern Health Sciences University recommend taking the more natural path for increasing serotonin levels in the body. They say this can be done through stress reduction, proper nutrition and massage therapy.

Stress depletes serotonin levels, thereby triggering depression which in turn produces even more stress. It is a vicious cycle indeed. The key is to eliminate stress. Natural stress relief can be achieved with the practice of mindfulness. This is the practice of focusing the mind on the current moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Exercises like tai chi, yoga and meditation are among the many practices that enable one to be mindful and to focus on positive thoughts.

Proper nutrition is crucial for the body to produce the needed serotonin. In particular, the body needs good fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and the amino acids of protein as the raw materials for the production of serotonin. Omega-3 fatty acids can come from salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, cod liver oil, flax seed and flax seed oil. Examples of complex carbohydrates are brown rice, whole grain bread, potatoes with the skin, sweet potatoes, starchy vegetables, granola, corn, popcorn and whole fruit. Supplementation of Vitamin B6 is also helpful.

Massage therapy rounds up the regimen by also helping eliminate stress and encouraging good appetite. Documented scientific research has proven that massage therapy is effective against depression.

Depression has been observed to be also frequently present during pregnancy. This is another health issue that pregnancy massage therapy can address. For those who are not pregnant, reflexology massage therapy, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy can be enjoyed as a means of rest and relaxation as well as a means of depression prevention or treatment. You have to ensure, though, that any massage therapy modality you choose should only be given by a qualified professionally trained massage therapist. Otherwise, your massage therapy may not be properly delivered and the unpleasant side effects may leave you feeling even worse than before. You will be in good hands if you choose to go to a reputable therapeutic massage spa in Anonka County, Minneapolis, St Paul and Blaine MN.