Therapeutic Massage and the Release of Feel Good Hormones

We all know that therapeutic massage or massage therapy is a sure way of relaxing the body and the mind. In the strictest sense, massage therapy is the systematic manipulation of our body tissues to get rid of muscular knots. This is done through the use of various hand techniques to apply fixed and movable pressure to different muscle groups.

A session of massage therapy is enough to stimulate the release of feel-good hormones in the body. A well known medical journal stated that an hour of massage can significantly increase the human body's production of dopamine, seratonin, and oxytocin and the decrease of the production of epinephrine and cortisol. The first three hormones are mood enhancers and are known to improve brain functions. As the production of these hormones increases, the production of the latter three hormones, which are known to induce stress, decreases. Further studies reveal that dopamine, seratonin, and oxytocin do more than that. Studies show that these hormones also improve the body's immune system. Our immune system is very important as it is responsible for protecting us from various sickness and disease. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin also contribute to the regulation of body temperature, mood, sleep, vomiting, sexuality, and appetite. In the long run, production of these feel good hormones and the reduction of stress-inducing hormones tend to diminish depression, anxiety, emotional distress, and attacks of sleeplessness.

The production of the body's feel good hormones begins the moment we step into the massage spa. Our perception of our immediate environment affects our bodily functions. Another factor affecting hormone production is the giver of therapeutic treatment. As such, we need to choose the right therapist who is properly trained to deliver the proper massage techniques and strokes. Improper manipulation of muscles can lead to injuries and will not properly stimulate production of the feel good hormones.

And because this bodywork therapy involves applying touch, pressure, and movement, the therapist must be able to customize their techniques to fit people's varying sensitivity to touch. Every client needs optimal pressure that suits his or her condition. On our end, it is our responsibility to inform our massage therapist about any special health condition that might affect the process. We should also never hesitate in communicating any discomfort that we feel in order for us to receive the most benefit from a treatment.

Every session is aimed at increasing a person's over all health and well being. This is in line with the basic philosophy of massage therapy which is to enhance the body's innate ability to heal itself. So whether it is a Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, and reflexology, the use of effleurage and other strokes improves blood flow and circulation, which in turn reduces muscular stress and tension and enhances tissue healing. In this light, massage therapy does not only relax the mind and body, but it also serves as a natural way of self-healing. This is certainly beneficial to everyone.