In recent years, the integration of body and mind has gained increasing importance in clinical practice. Contemporary psychology recognizes that emotions are not only manifested in our thoughts but also in our bodies. Therefore, incorporating body techniques such as Swedish Massage Therapy (SMT) into the therapeutic process can profoundly enrich the traditional approach of psychotherapy.
Swedish massage, applied with moderate pressure, has been shown in various scientific studies to have positive effects on the autonomic nervous system, particularly through the stimulation of the vagus nerve. This nerve is linked to vital functions such as stress regulation, heart rate, and digestion. When activated by stimuli like therapeutic touch, it promotes a reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone), fostering a general state of calm and greater emotional availability.
The benefits of massage are not limited to immediate relaxation. Functional neuroimaging studies (fMRI) have shown that moderate-pressure massage activates key brain regions involved in emotional regulation, such as the amygdala, hypothalamus, and anterior cingulate cortex. These areas are directly involved in stress response, anxiety, and mood regulation.
Furthermore, clinical research has documented the effectiveness of SMT in significantly reducing levels of anxiety, depression, and general discomfort, even in patients with disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anorexia, and bulimia. In these cases, massage not only complements the verbal work of the therapeutic process but also amplifies clinical outcomes safely and without reported adverse effects.
Benefits have also been observed in diverse populations: from premature infants to older adults with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dementia, as well as individuals with autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, or dermatological diseases. This broad impact demonstrates that massage, far from being a “luxury,” can function as an integral and evidence-based therapeutic tool.
In my practice, massage is incorporated as part of the therapeutic plan when it is pertinent, consensual, and adapted to the patient’s needs. It is a carefully guided experience aimed at releasing physical tensions associated with emotional blockages, improving connection with the body, and facilitating a state of greater emotional self-regulation.
Integrating SMT into the psychological process does not replace verbal therapy; rather, it complements it. Because often, to heal, understanding what is happening is not enough—we also need to feel it, release it, and inhabit it through the body.
