Individuals who feel anxious may want to treat themselves to a relaxing massage or just some quiet relaxation time, according to the findings of a new study.

Researchers at the Group Health Research Institute found that massage treatments as well as simple relaxation were as effective in reducing anxiety as psychotherapy, medication or both.

The study, which is published in the journal Depression and Anxiety, followed 68 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder for more than three months. Each participant received 10 one-hour sessions of massage, relaxation therapy or thermotherapy. They all also received information on practicing deep breathing daily at home. All three treatments were conducted in a softly lighted room with relaxing music playing and were presided over by licensed massage therapists.

All three of the groups reported that their symptoms of anxiety had decreased by about 40 percent by the end of the 12-week treatments and by about 50 percent three months later. In addition to the decline in anxiety, the patients also reported fewer symptoms of depression and less worry and disability.

"Treatment in a relaxing room is much less expensive than the other treatments (massage or thermotherapy), so it might be the most cost-effective option for people with generalized anxiety disorder who want to try a relaxation-oriented complementary medicine therapy," said the study’s lead author, Dr. Karen Sherman.