Massage Can Help Alcohol Withdrawal

Massage is well known for its calming and soothing effect. Many people book themselves in for a massage as a way to destress, and recharge their batteries. Recent medical research shows that it may also be helpful when dealing with addictions such as alcoholism.

The conclusion of a study carried out by staff of the Royal Brisbane Hospital Alcohol and Drug Services and the University of Queensland is that Massage Therapy improves the management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

Two groups of 25 people were chosen for the study. One group simply rested for 15 minutes a day, whilst the other 25 were given a 15 minute fully clothed massage for 15 minutes a day.

Both groups experienced a reduction on the Alcohol Withdrawal Scale, but the group that received Massage experienced significantly greater reduction.

The Alcohol Withdrawal Scale is measured by looking at the heart and pulse rate as well as responses to a questionnaire. Pulse rate was significantly reduced in the Massage group. The questionnaires of the massage group revealed that 86 per cent of them reported that their meals were more enjoyable, and 100 per cent said that they felt more safe.

The authors of the study write:
“The subjective experience of patients reflected those receiving massage therapy feeling more engaged in the treatment process. 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: Royal Brisbane Hospital Alcohol and Drug Services, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Queensland University of Technology School of Psychology and Counseling, in Carseldine, Queensland, Australia; and University of Queensland Department of Psychiatry, Southern Clinical Division, School of Medicine, at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Wooloongabba, Queensland, Australia. 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

Source: nohandsmassage.com