This literature review, performed by Lucy Last, CCMH Class of 2021, set out to explore the efficacy of massage therapy as complementary management to decrease symptoms of depression. 

Various search methods and techniques landed on five journal articles to review. Each study was unique; however, every study reviewed demonstrated that massage therapy is an effective treatment option for managing the signs and symptoms of depression. 

Significantly, one study declared an impressive average of 31% decrease of cortisol in patients experiencing depression. The same study claimed a 28% increase of serotonin and 31% increase in dopamine levels immediately following massage therapy treatment. 

A summary of each of the articles referenced, along with the researcher’s thoughts:

1. T. Field, M Hernandez-Reif, M. Diego, et al. (November 2004). Cortisol Decreases and Serotonin and Dopamine Increase Following Massage Therapy; explains that “cortisol has been labeled a culprit variable for killin...