What effect does massage have on your brain?
A positive effect of massage is the improvement of your mood. Much research has been done on the chemical reactions of massage in the brain. During a massage, the body produces and regulates neurohormones. These hormones are located in the nervous system and affect your thoughts and behavior. It has been known for some time that massage has an effect on your emotional world.
Recent scientific research by the TOUCH Research Institute at the University of Miami shows that massage improves the availability of all neurohormones in the brain. Massage increases the level of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurohormone that is released by the hypothalamus. Dopamine is necessary for concentration and fine motor movement, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. It affects intuition, inspiration, joy and enthusiasm. A lack of dopamine causes awkwardness, poor focus and quickly being distracted.
Massage also increases the availability of serotonin, a neurohormone that affects your emotions. It decreases your irritability and your obsession with sex and food. Serotonin deficiency causes insomnia, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Massage also lowers levels of Cortisol, a stress-related neurohormone produced by the adrenal glands. It has also been shown that certain massages cause you to produce endorphins. These hormones reduce pain and give a feeling of euphoria. This “feel good” effect can last up to 48 hours after the massage.
Other research has shown that after a short chair massage of 15 minute massage the level of epinephrine (a form of adrenaline) increased by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This substance increases your alertness. A slower, longer, deeper (Swedish) massage lowers the epinephrine level, creating a feeling of relaxation and easier falling asleep.
Oxytocin is another neurohormone that is released by massage. It supports feelings of attachment and can help during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Finally, by stimulating sleep, massage can increase the availability of growth hormones that are released during deep sleep. This stimulates cell division, restores damaged tissue, and promotes regeneration or healing.
