Can massage reduce cortisol?
A massage does more than just feel good. It can lower the amount of cortisol in your body. This hormone is produced when your body is stressed. It increases glucose in your bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and curbs functions that are nonessential in a fight-or-flight situation. Massage and oxytocin Yes, the touch of massage has also been found to increase the production and release of oxytocin in the brain, of the person giving the massage as well as the one receiving it. This increase in oxytocin can explain some of the good feelings associated with massage, including: Relaxation.Oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone, is released in women in response to physical touch, emotional closeness, and relaxation. Simple gestures like hugging, kissing, cuddling, gentle eye contact, or intimate bonding can naturally boost its levels.
What massage is best for anxiety?
A variety of massage types including deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and therapeutic massage are used to help reduce stress. Massage techniques such as deep strokes, trigger pointing and lymphatic drainage can be used to help reduce stress. As we mentioned earlier, massage therapy elicits the production of a variety of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are associated with joy, enthusiasm, improved focus, as well as, lessened irritability.