Massage for Anorexia and other Eating Disorders

Eating disorders and in particular anorexia nervosa, are well known as psychological disorders. However, treatment is very difficult. The sufferer not only has a distorted view their own body and a distorted connection with it, but they may also become addicted to the feeling of not eating.

Massage therapy has been shown to be a very helpful supportive treatment. The benefit of massage lies in the fact that it causes the release of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, these hormones give a feeling of happiness, and pleasure. This, coupled with the fact that this pleasure is experienced in and through the body, can facilitate a change in the whole body mind connection. Of course, it's not going to happen in one massage, but is a gradual process that happens with regular massage.

There are some cautions though, depending on how badly the organs of the body, and the toxicity of the body, massage can overload organs such as the heart kidneys and liver. So care has to be taken, a gentle massage with minimal effect on the circulatory systems is called for in such cases.

I have done a large research study into the effects of massage on distorted body image, which applies to all the eating disorders. You can read here. Body Image Research

Should you wish to contact me, Craig Botha>, e-mail:craig@medicalmassage.co.za
or dial 082 812 7921