A 2012 study at the University of California Los Angeles found that massage increases oxytocin in the body.
Oxytocin is called “the love hormone” and it ensures the connection between us human beings. Not only is it present at birth, it plays a pivotal role in bond development throughout life. The most important things in life require oxytocin – caring for children, finding a mate, creating a social bond with our partners, and restoration and healing in the face of stress.
Human beings are highly social creatures and touch appears to have an important role in sustaining social bonds and increasing cooperative behaviours. Oxytocin is a hormone which facilitates social bonding and touch may affect its release, explain the researchers.
The study
The study examined the effect of massage on oxytocin and also measured its effect on other physiologic factors, including adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH, which stimulates the production and release of the stress hormone cortisol), nitric oxide (NO), and beta-endorphin (BE).
A total of 90 people were randomly divided in two groups. 60 participants were in the massage group and 30 in the control group.
Then the research team drew participants’ blood. Afterwards, the massage group received 15 minutes of moderate-pressure massage on the upper back. At the same time the control group rested quietly. A second blood draw followed for both groups.
The outcome
The results of the study show that massage increases oxytocin and reduces ACTH, NO, and BE. The research team also found significant differences between both groups for changes in oxytocin, ACTH, NO, and BE.
This study is the first one using a large sample of mixed gender that demonstrates that massage increases OT and decreases ACTH, NO, and BE. Moreover, the researchers conclude that these findings may as well help explain the mechanisms through which social connections reduce morbidity and mortality.
Adapted from National Library of Medicine
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