Benefits of Massage on the Brain

If not under duress, the human body craves touch (think of how good a soft caress feels). Human touch has the power to reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and stress. Physical touch can even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When performed by a trained therapist, touch stimulates the mechanoreceptors in our skin, sending signals to the brain, which then responds by releasing hormones like endorphins, which are the body's natural heroine and "feel good" enzyme, serotonin, which promotes well-being and happiness, dopamine which is responsible for pleasure, and oxytocin which is associated with trust, relationship building and sexual arousal.