Massage alters biochemistry.

By testing urine, saliva and blood, TRI has consistently found that massage decreases cortisol levels, decreases norepinephrine and epinephrine levels, increases dopamine and serotonin levels, and increases Natural Killer cells.  (Keep reading to understand what this means!)

Massage decreases stress.

Cortisol, a hormone that is released during stress, decreases as a result of massage.  Norepinephrine and epinephrine are also hormones that are released during stress, and they enhance the fight or flight response.

Massage decreases depression.

Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that elevate mood.  Since massage increases dopamine and serotonin levels, it elevates mood, thereby decreasing depression.

Massage enhances our immune system and helps us fight disease.

Natural Killer cells are a type of white blood cells that help our body maintain it’s defense against pathogens.

The benefits of massage are bi-directional.

One of the most exciting things we learned at TRI is that the saying “it is better to give than receive,” really is true when it comes to massage.  In 1998, TRI conducted a study where elderly retired volunteers were assessed after giving massage to infants of one month versus receiving massage for a month themselves.  The results were 1) the elderly volunteers reported less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms and an improved mood after giving massage; 2) their pulse rate decreased; 3) their cortisol levels decreased; 4) they reported better self esteem, less doctor visits, and more social contacts after the one receiving massage themselves, suggesting that the massager can benefit from simply giving massage.

So with all this in mind get a therapeutic massage today or give a soothing massage to your loved ones, you will benefit either way, I know I HAVE!!!

Terri Darias, LMT, President
Cloud 9 Therapeutic Massage Corp.