Why regular massage makes you happier
Most of us may think massage as a luxury gift, but have you ever think about all the benefits that regular massage brings to your life? For that reason, today in the International Day of Happiness, I want to share with you the benefits of having regular massage and the reason why it makes you happy.
What are the benefits of regular massage?
Massage is about more than just pampering yourself or recovering from injury. Although, of course, it can suffice very well in either of those instances. Some of the most important long term benefits of regular massage are:
- stress control (reduces cortisol “stress hormone”)
- reduces anxiety and depression (by releasing “the good mood hormones”)
- increases serotonin, endorphin, oxytocin and dopamine levels (good mood hormones)
- improves mood and happiness
- relieve chronic pain
- helps to overcome insomnia
- calms migraines
- lowers blood pressure
- boosts your immune and endocrine system
- helps your body to keep warm
- relaxes you
Why does massage make us happier?
As I mention before, regular massage increases levels of your “good mood hormones and neurotransmitters” and reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), now let´s see what science has proved:
Oxytocin
Studies have shown that massage elevates oxytocin levels. Oxytocin or the “love hormone” main functions are:
- stimulate more empathy towards others.
- creates trust, bonding, intimacy and healthy relationships.
- has a calming effect and makes you feel relaxed and loving.
In addition, oxytocin plays a key role in the bonding relationship during childbirth, breast feeding and parent-child. On the other hand, low oxytocin levels reduce empathy, lower social functioning and improves depression.
Endorphins
Massage increases the release of endorphins, brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), that produce feelings of wellbeing and are your body’s natural pain relievers ( in some cases with stronger effects than morphine). We produce endorphins as a respond to stress or pain. In addition, they relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Low endorphin levels increase:
- depression risk,
- fibromyalgia,
- headaches
Dopamine
Studies published in 2005 in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that massage increases dopamine (a neurotransmitter) levels by an average of 31%.
High levels of dopamine “the feel good hormone” make you feel more:
- energised,
- motivated,
- productive,
- focused.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is part of your brain’s reward system, so it is responsible for your pleasure-seeking behavior. It drives you to achieve goals and gives you that hit sensation when you fall in love, get a compliment or complete a task. In contrast, low dopamine levels produce:
- low energy,
- lack of motivation,
- increases procrastination,
- lack of focus,
- lack of enthusiasm.
Serotonin
Studies showed that after massage, your serotonin levels increase up to 28%. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and its benefits are:
- can boost your mood
- give you an overall sense of well-being
- sense contentment
- regulate your mood
- regulate your appetite and digestive system
- improve learning
- improve well sleep
In contrast, low serotonin levels increase depression and anxiety; decreases energy, produces negative thoughts, improves loneliness sensation.
A final word
In the modern world, especially in a big city like London, all of us run from one activity to the next with too short time for a break. However, it’s important to take time to look after yourself , pamper yourself, be happy and stay where treat you better.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467308/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306453018308370
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922000279
