Did you know massage can improve social bonds?

If you feel overwhelmed and stressed, you’re in good company. According to the American Institute of Stress, 1 in 5 people experience extreme stress, resulting in shaking, heart palpitations and depression. Reduce stress and improve social bonds to help combat these symptoms.

Here are some compelling reasons to use massage therapy to fight stress:

Reduce stress hormones

According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy diffuses stress. Massage therapy uses strokes and pressure techniques to release hormones to fight cortisol, the stress hormones that run wild when stress levels are high and constant. Cortisol makes your body tense, increases high blood pressure and heart rate, and causes the body to work harder to remain status quo. That is why stress also causes physical and emotional fatigue.

Massage therapy, whether it be a relaxing Swedish massage or more intense deep-tissue massage, promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers that also create feelings of euphoria. In addition, endorphins help modulate appetite, release sex hormones, boost immunity, lessen pain and reduce the effects of stress.

Improve social bonds

In addition to endorphins, massage helps to increase levels of oxytocin, the hormone known to promote social bonding and trust. In a UCLA research study on 95 adults, one group was given 15 minutes of moderate-pressure massage, and the control group rested without any massage.

When researchers analyzed the blood drawn from the two groups, the group that had received massage showed increased levels of oxytoxin. In addition, they showed decreased levels of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol. Oxytocin has been shown to reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure and improve digestion.

Experience the healing power of touch

Another equally important component of massage therapy lies in the intrinsic value of touch. Massage generally involves the use of fingers, hands, arms and elbows to work the strokes and pressure points on the body. Touch has healing qualities. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, therapeutic touch fosters relaxation, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves breathing.

If you need more information about massage therapy and how it reduces stress in your life, contact us. We offer different types of massage to cater to your every need.