05 Nov The Benefits of Massage: The Science of Touch

The Benefits of Massage: The Science of Touch

Massage has long been misunderstood. Many see it as a luxury, a spa treat, or something to book only when pain sets in. But beneath that perception lies one of the most biologically effective forms of therapy we have.

As someone who studied Holistic Massage at Level 5 and later completed a degree in Human Biology, I’ve spent years studying how the body responds to touch, not from a spiritual standpoint, but from a scientific one. The evidence is clear: massage doesn’t just make you feel better; it changes what’s happening inside your body.

Touch and the Nervous System

Touch is one of our earliest senses to develop. It’s hardwired into survival.
Just a few decades ago, premature babies were kept isolated, with minimal physical contact. We now know this was a mistake. Research shows that gentle touch stimulates neuronal activity in the brain, helping premature infants gain weight faster, regulate temperature, and even stabilise heart rate.

The same neurological response happens during massage. When skin receptors are activated, signals travel via the afferent nerve fibres to the brain, triggering a cascade of chemical reactions throughout the body. This is where the science becomes fascinating.

The Hormones Behind Healing

Massage directly influences our neuroendocrine system — the communication network between the brain and hormones.
Here’s what happens during and after treatment:

• Cortisol levels drop — This is the stress hormone that raises heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation. Studies show that a single massage can reduce cortisol by up to 30%.

• Serotonin and dopamine rise — These are the body’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters. They regulate mood, focus, and motivation. Massage can increase serotonin by around 28% and dopamine by up to 31%, supporting mental wellbeing and emotional stability.

• Endorphins are released — These natural painkillers help ease muscle tension, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.

• Oxytocin increases — Often called the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin fosters calmness, connection, and trust. It’s the same hormone released through positive human contact, showing why touch therapy can feel so grounding.

Together, this hormonal shift explains why massage helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even insomnia. It’s not just relaxation, it’s neurochemistry.

Massage and the Body’s Core Systems

Every massage, no matter the style, has a measurable effect on the body’s major systems:

• Circulatory System
  Massage increases blood flow, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones more efficiently. Improved circulation supports cellular renewal, helping the skin, hair, and nails thrive while aiding muscle recovery.

• Lymphatic System
  By stimulating lymph movement, massage helps remove waste products and toxins. This process reduces swelling, boosts immune function, and supports detoxification.

• Nervous System
  The switch from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation leads to slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and deep relaxation.

• Muscular System
  Gentle manipulation releases tight fascia, increases flexibility, and speeds healing by promoting oxygen exchange at a cellular level.

• Integumentary System
  Regular massage enhances the skin’s natural barrier and improves elasticity, helping it maintain hydration and texture.

What the Research Shows

Scientific studies continue to prove what holistic therapists have known for decades: touch heals.

• A review published in 2016 found that regular massage lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels in over 80% of participants.

• Another study noted that patients receiving weekly massage reported up to a 50% reduction in muscle pain and tension after four weeks.

• Controlled trials have shown that massage improves sleep quality, increases immune function, and accelerates recovery after exercise or injury.

The science is now catching up to what the body already knows.

Beyond Relaxation: The Bigger Picture

Massage therapy is often dismissed because people associate it with luxury, not longevity. Yet when you understand the biology, it’s clear that regular massage helps regulate stress hormones, improves oxygen delivery, boosts immunity, and supports both physical and emotional balance.

It’s not alternative medicine. it’s foundational care.

At Sirens Beauty Salon, we see massage as essential maintenance for the body and mind. Our holistic approach is grounded in real anatomy and physiology, offering treatments that work with the body’s natural systems rather than against them.

Massage doesn’t just make you feel better for an hour. It helps the entire body function better long after you leave the room.