How Massage Can Support Hormonal Balance and Stress Reduction
When most people think about massage, relaxation is usually the first benefit that comes to mind. But massage effects go far beyond that. Studies have shown that incorporating massage therapy into one’s routine not only reduces tension but can also significantly lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—hormones that help promote emotional resilience, relaxation, and a positive mood.
Sharing a little summary about cortisol, so you can understand its importance in our daily lives...
It's well known as the “stress hormone”, but like many things in the body, cortisol’s role is about balance.
It’s essential for survival, helping us respond to both physical and mental challenges. For example, when we face physical stress, cortisol will increase heart rate, enhance blood flow to muscles, and boost available energy allowing us to fight or flee the stressing situation. Therefore, when produced in the right amounts, it's very beneficial.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands (sitting on top of our kidneys) and impacts our:
Metabolism: converting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into usable energy
Blood Sugar Regulation: steading blood sugar by stimulating glucose production in the liver
Immune System: modulating immune responses, helps preventing an overactive immune system, especially during injuries or infections
Fluid Balance: regulating blood pressure and lymph flow, important for maintaining oxygen/nutrient distribution and waste drainage
It's interesting to know that our body’s cortisol levels also increase in response to non-physical stressors such as:
Poor Sleep: lack of sleep can be interpreted as a stress signal, prompting cortisol release
Diet: high sugar intake, processed foods, and caffeine can all contribute to cortisol spikes
Physical Activity: lack of exercise or overly intense training (without adequate recovery) can lead to cortisol imbalances
Social Pressures and Lifestyle Stress: work stress, financial worries, and even social expectations can keep cortisol levels elevated, creating a cycle of ongoing stress
Now imagine living in a constant state of stress - physical or non-physical - keeping the levels of cortisol high for a prolonged time. This will impact our internal balance from sleep quality and blood pressure to digestion and immune function.
My support for you...
When removing stressors is not possible, massage sessions can make a difference in bringing more balance to your body.
Studies show that regular massage sessions can lower cortisol levels and increase the following hormones/neurotransmitters:
Oxytocin: the “love hormone”, increase feelings of bonding and trust, helping create a sense of calm and connection
Dopamine: the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, plays an important role on our reward system, promoting pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction
Serotonin: linked to mood stability and emotional regulation, supporting our overall mental health
With that, massage sessions support both immediate and long-term reductions in stress, helping you experience emotional release, developing a more resilient stress response.
Looking forward to having you coming for a session!
With love,
Tarsi.
References:
Morhenn, V., Beavin, L. E., & Zak, P. J. (2012). Massage increases oxytocin and reduces adrenocorticotropin hormone in humans. _Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 18_(6), 11–18.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. _International Journal of Neuroscience, 115_(10), 1397–1413.