DETOXIFICATION MASSAGE THERAPY

Why Should I Consider

Massage During My Detox?

Benefits of Massage in Detoxification

• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.

• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue
• Lessen depression
• Lessen anxiety
• Reduce spasms and cramping
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow

Incorporating massage into a substance abuse program is advantageous in all of the stages of quitting an addiction: withdrawal, detoxification and abstinence. The physical, emotional and spiritual components of recovery all can be directly benefited by the healing power of therapeutic touch. The nurturing contact of massage utilizes skin as the translator of the therapist’s intent. Skin, the largest sensory organ in our body, is our primary sense for connecting information from our external surroundings to our internal environment

The fact that massage naturally increases dopamine levels, and decreases cortisol levels makes it a perfect addition to a standard detoxification program.  The neurochemistry of an addict takes time to get back into balance, so massage treatments after the initial detoxification phase is crucial. When a person uses a substance to feel good, his/her body stops manufacturing its own “feel good” chemicals, (endorphins), and the substance takes over that task. Therefore, when a person quits using an abused substance, they lose their source of feeling good. Since it takes time for the body to start manufacturing its own endorphins again, this is a challenging interim to endure. This interim is the recovering addict’s most vulnerable time to relapse.

Physical Healing

On a physical level, the circulation that occurs with massage is also a desired occurrence during the detoxification process. Therapeutic massage’s invigoration of blood and lymphatic fluid allows for a more efficient exchange of oxygen rich nutrition into the body’s tissues, and the delivery of toxic waste products out of the body’s tissues.

Emotional Healing

On an emotional level, part of an addict’s recovery process is learning to identify and manage the triggers that cause them to desire escape. Regular massage sessions can aid the client’s awareness of his or her own body, including where and when tension exists. Being conscious of these patterns is a step toward recognizing one’s own resistance, which can lead to healthfully addressing emotions associated with cravings and stress.

Spiritual Healing

On a spiritual level, the deep relaxation of a massage can provide a still inner place for the recipient to connect with themselves. Being grounded, centered and fully present can be experienced when receiving therapeutic touch from a grounded, centered and fully present practitioner. A recovering addict has a whole new world opened to them when they acknowledge that they can simultaneously be anchored, present, feel good and be substance-free.

Who performs the massage therapy

at New Beginnings Detox?

How much does the Detox Massage cost?

The cost is $85.00 per 1 hour session. 

The cost is $45.00 per 1/2 hour session. 

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Originally published in The Journal of Alternative

and Complementary Medicine, April 2005

"Massage Eases Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome"

In subjects undergoing alcohol detoxification, massage therapy decreased the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, reduced pulse rate and encouraged greater engagement in the treatment process, according to recent research. Twenty-five subjects were assigned to the massage group, and 25 were assigned to a control group. All 50 participants had been admitted to an alcohol and drug detoxification unit. Forty-one were males and nine were females, with an average age of 43.8 years. Subjects in the massage group received a 15-minute, bedside back, shoulder, neck and head massage, fully clothed, once a day for four days. Subjects in the control group rested for 15 minutes per day for four days. Patients were discharged at the end of the fourth day or on the fifth day, after detoxification.

Outcome measures were pulse rate, respiration rate, Alcohol Withdrawal Scale scores, and subjects’ responses to a questionnaire assessing the treatment process.  Results of the study showed that, as the treatment ensued, both groups had reduced scores on the Alcohol Withdrawal Scale. However, the reduction of scores in the massage group was significantly greater than those of the control group.  Pulse rate was significantly reduced in the massage group as compared to that of the control group, and respiratory function was greater in the massage group at the end of the four-day intervention.

“On a day-to-day basis, the strongest impact of massage on Alcohol Withdrawal Scale scores and pulse rate was post massage day 1,” state the study’s authors. “The initial period of detoxification is physically demanding and increasing patient comfort at this time is important.”

The study also showed that people in the massage group responded to the questionnaire at a significantly higher rate than those in the control group. Eighty-six percent of subjects who reported that their meals were enjoyable were in the massage group, and 100 percent of those who reported feeling safe were in the massage group.

“The subjective experience of patients reflected those receiving massage therapy feeling more engaged in the treatment process,” state the study’s authors. “The qualitative data indicate that most of the individuals who reported feeling supported, safe and having an improved appetite were in the massage group. “In conclusion, this study suggests that there may be a place for massage therapy in the alcohol detoxification process.”

Source: Authors - Margaret Reader, R.N.; Ross Young, Ph.D.; and Jason P. Connor, Ph.D. Originally published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, April 2005, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 311-313

Informational Links

Opiate Detox  Vicodin   Hydrocodone  Methadone  Oxycontin  Lortab