21/01/2026
MASSAGE HELPS RELEASE DOPAMINE.
Dopamine is a feel good hormone that the body releases when we are engaged in activities we enjoy. However, it can reinforce behaviours in us that are addictive and that lead to compulsive habits as we keep seeking more pleasure. We develop unhealthy ways to get a dopamine hit. These are habits and compulsions such as scrolling on social media, eating foods, drinking alcohol, taking drugs and shopping. Today it seems people are suffering with anxiety, stress and depression more than ever and it doesn't really help that we live in a world that is full of distractions and quick fixes to try and make ourselves feel better.
You will be glad to know that massage helps to release dopamine, as it works to stimulate the nervous system and to shift it from a state of "fight to flight" to "rest and digest". This reduces cortisol, which is a stress hormone and increases serotonin. Serotonin is what regulates our mood and ability to be calm.
Massage activates the Vagus Nerve which slows down our heart rate, lowers our blood pressure and sends signals to the brain to stop producing stress hormones. It promotes physical relaxation by reducing muscular tension and adhesions.
Pressure applied to the skin activates pressure receptors that send signals to the brain to increase dopamine and serotonin and the increase in blood flow stimulates the autonomic nervous system to produce more neurotransmitters that send signals to reduce pain, lower stress and improve the mood.