We all know smoking is bad for your health, but we also know that quitting is really hard. While people try medications, and nicotine gum and patches to help them quit, researchers are studying a new treatment: massage.
According to new research published in the journal Addiction, smoking and anxiety disorders are linked, and massage therapy has been shown to lessen the anxiety that could be driving people to smoke.
The study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, found that more than a third of those studied met criteria for at least one anxiety diagnosis in their lifetime. Of the total 1,504 study participants, 455 had had a panic attack in the past, 199 had social anxiety disorder and 99 were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
More research needs to be done, but it makes sense that massage, which relaxes and destresses, would help people quit for good!