wellness research

Research into massage therapy highlights its association with moderate improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing, particularly when received regularly over time. Effects were strongest for symptoms of depression and anxiety, and appear to reflect cumulative nervous system regulation rather than a single-session mood lift. Individual responses vary, and benefits depend on context, frequency, and baseline stress.

References: Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18. 

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Research shows  that massage therapy can be associated with reduced physiological markers of stress and improved relaxation, including changes consistent with lowered stress-system activation. Rather than directly suppressing stress hormones, massage appears to support nervous system regulation, helping the body shift toward calmer, more balanced states over time, particularly for those experiencing higher levels of stress.

References: Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.

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Across a range of studies, regular massage therapy has been associated with self-reported reductions in tension, worry, and restlessness. Meta-analytic findings show consistent improvements in anxiety-related symptoms, while longitudinal clinical studies suggest these changes accumulate over multiple sessions and may persist beyond the treatment period, particularly for those navigating higher levels of emotional or psychological stress.

References: Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18. ; Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.; Rapaport, M. H., Schettler, P., & Breese, C. (2010). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(10), 1079–1088. 

-> Read full studies:

• Moyer, Rounds & Hannum (2004)
• Field (2014)
• Rapaport, Schettler & Breese (2010)

Research exploring the body’s stress response shows that massage therapy is associated with shifts toward parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activity, including changes in heart rate, vagal tone, and stress-related symptoms. Reviews and meta-analyses suggest these effects build with repeated sessions, helping support everyday resilience rather than offering only a fleeting sense of calm.

References: Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.; Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18. ; Diego, M. A., & Field, T. (2009). International Journal of Neuroscience, 119(5), 630–638.  

-> Read full studies:

• Field (2014)
• Moyer, Rounds & Hannum (2004)
• Diego & Field (2009)

Evidence from clinical studies and reviews suggests that when massage is received over time, it is associated with broader improvements in mental wellbeing, including feeling calmer, more emotionally settled, and better able to manage daily demands. Rather than relying on a single moment of relief, these benefits appear to build gradually, supporting ongoing stress regulation and overall wellbeing.

References: Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18.; Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.; Cherkin, D. C., et al. (2011). Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(1), 1–9. 

-> Read full studies:

• Moyer, Rounds & Hannum (2004)
• Field (2014)
• Cherkin et al (2011)

Research shows that affective touch can reduce stress-system activation. When nervous system safety increases, demand on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal axis reduces, which may lead to lower cortisol levels in some individuals.

Cortisol is the downstream output of the body’s stress system. Touch doesn’t force cortisol down. It supports nervous system safety, which reduces demand on the HPA axis. In that context, cortisol levels may reduce, particularly in people with elevated stress 

Supporting evidence: 

• Reviews and meta-analyses highlight that touch interventions across the lifespan (e.g., massage, social touch) are linked to multiple stress-related benefits. Including buffering against anxiety and stress, reduced cortisol, and enhanced well-being.  
  
  References: Packheiser J, Hartmann H, Fredriksen K, Gazzola V, Keysers C, Michon F. A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nat Hum Behav. 2024 Jun;8(6):1088-1107. doi: 10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8. Epub 2024 Apr 8. PMID: 38589702; PMCID: PMC11199149. 

• Affective and affectionate touch in everyday life (e.g., affectionate contact and hug frequency) has been associated with momentary well-being and hormonal correlates, including cortisol measures alongside oxytocin assessments.  
  
  References: Schneider E, Hopf D, Aguilar-Raab C, Scheele D, Neubauer AB, Sailer U, Hurlemann R, Eckstein M, Ditzen B. Affectionate touch and diurnal oxytocin levels: An ecological momentary assessment study. Elife. 2023 May 30;12:e81241. doi: 10.7554/eLife.81241. PMID: 37252874; PMCID: PMC10229112. 

• Research on social touch indicates that human contact, including interpersonal touch between partners, can reduce physiological stress levels and modulate stress reactivity — measured indirectly via cortisol patterns and related markers.  
  
  References: Eckstein M, Mamaev I, Ditzen B, Sailer U. Calming Effects of Touch in Human, Animal, and Robotic Interaction-Scientific State-of-the-Art and Technical Advances. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 4;11:555058. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555058. PMID: 33329093; PMCID: PMC7672023. 

• Experimental psychophysiology studies suggest that affective touch (gentle, pleasant contact) plays a role in autonomic and affective regulation consistent with reduced stress system activation, even if cortisol isn’t always the primary marker tested. 
  
  References: Letizia Della Longa, Michela Sarlo, Teresa Farroni, Does affective touch buffer emotional distress? Insights from subjective and physiological indices, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Volume 20, Issue 1, 2025, nsaf090, https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsaf090 

• A controlled study of repeated scalp massage in adults found significant reductions in cortisol and other stress-related hormones alongside increased markers of parasympathetic activity, consistent with safety-driven regulation of the stress system rather than direct biochemical suppression. 
  
  References: Kim IH, Kim TY, Ko YW. The effect of a scalp massage on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy female. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Oct;28(10):2703-2707. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.2703. Epub 2016 Oct 28. PMID: 27821918; PMCID: PMC5088109.  

• A randomized controlled study found that self-soothing touch and receiving hugs reduced cortisol responses to stress compared to controls, showing cortisol differences over time in touch conditions versus no touch.  
  
  References: Dreisoerner A, Junker NM, Schlotz W, Heimrich J, Bloemeke S, Ditzen B, van Dick R. Self-soothing touch and being hugged reduce cortisol responses to stress: A randomized controlled trial on stress, physical touch, and social identity. Compr Psychoneuroendocrinol. 2021 Oct 8;8:100091. 

• Studies on affectionate touch (hugs, social touch) have been associated with stress-buffering effects, including lower momentary cortisol and attenuation of HPA-axis responses during stress.  
  
  References: Romney CE, Arroyo AC, Robles TF, Zawadzki MJ. Hugs and Cortisol Awakening Response the Next Day: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 30;20(7):5340. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20075340. 

• A large meta-analysis of touch interventions reports that touch (e.g., massage, gentle tactile contact) was especially effective in regulating cortisol levels alongside improvements in anxiety and stress outcomes.  
  
  References: Packheiser, J., Hartmann, H., Fredriksen, K. et al. A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nat Hum Behav 8, 1088–1107 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8 

• Experimental research indicates that affective touch and social contact can reduce psychobiological stress reactivity (including cortisol in some contexts) and are part of broader stress-regulation mechanisms.  
  
  References: Eckstein M, Mamaev I, Ditzen B, Sailer U. Calming Effects of Touch in Human, Animal, and Robotic Interaction-Scientific State-of-the-Art and Technical Advances. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 4;11:555058. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555058. PMID: 33329093; PMCID: PMC7672023. 

• Field massage and gentle human touch in infants were shown to reduce urine cortisol compared to control conditions, supporting a stress-reduction interpretation of touch interventions.  
  
  References: Asadollahi M, Jabraeili M, Mahallei M, Asgari Jafarabadi M, Ebrahimi S. Effects of Gentle Human Touch and Field Massage on Urine Cortisol Level in Premature Infants: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. J Caring Sci. 2016 Sep 1;5(3):187-194. doi: 10.15171/jcs.2016.020. PMID: 27752484; PMCID: PMC5045952. 

For a detailed overview on the Physiological & Biochemical Responses to Touch, click here.

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released both into the bloodstream and directly within the brain. Its effects depend heavily on context. 

Research shows that affective, socially meaningful touch can stimulate oxytocin release, particularly when the nervous system is in a state that supports safety and parasympathetic regulation. In this context, oxytocin contributes to feelings of calm, connection, and social openness, and can further dampen stress-system activity. 

Rather than acting as a simple “feel-good” hormone, oxytocin functions as a salience and safety modulator. When the brain predicts safety, oxytocin signalling supports bonding, relaxation, and trust. When threat is present, oxytocin does not reliably produce these effects. 

This is why touch does not force oxytocin release. It creates the conditions under which oxytocin signalling can support calm and connection. 

Supporting Evidence: 

• Research synthesising human and animal studies shows that non-noxious sensory stimulation, including gentle interpersonal and self-soothing touch, can activate oxytocinergic pathways that promote parasympathetic regulation and reduce stress-system activity, particularly in contexts perceived as safe and predictable. 
  
  References: Uvnäs-Moberg K, Handlin L, Petersson M. Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12;5:1529. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529. PMID: 25628581; PMCID: PMC4290532.

• Neurobiological research on affective touch identifies specialised C-tactile afferents that link gentle skin contact to brain regions involved in emotion, reward, and social affiliation, providing a sensory pathway through which touch can support oxytocin-mediated bonding and social connection. 
  
  References: Walker SC, McGlone FP. The social brain: neurobiological basis of affiliative behaviours and psychological well-being. Neuropeptides. 2013 Dec;47(6):379-93. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2013.10.008. Epub 2013 Oct 23. PMID: 24210942.

• Reviews of social touch and stress regulation indicate that oxytocin signalling contributes to stress buffering, including attenuation of HPA-axis activity and support of emotional regulation in socially safe contexts. 
  
  References: Eckstein M, Scheele D, Weber K, Stoffel-Wagner B, Maier W, Hurlemann R. Oxytocin facilitates the sensation of social stress. Hum Brain Mapp. 2014 Sep;35(9):4741-50. doi: 10.1002/hbm.22508. Epub 2014 Mar 21. PMID: 24659430; PMCID: PMC6869318.

• Contemporary theoretical models emphasise that oxytocin functions as a context-dependent modulator of social salience rather than a universal “bonding hormone,” supporting calm, trust, and affiliation when safety is predicted, but not reliably producing these effects under conditions of threat or uncertainty. 
  
  References: Shamay-Tsoory SG, Abu-Akel A. The Social Salience Hypothesis of Oxytocin. Biol Psychiatry. 2016 Feb 1;79(3):194-202. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.020. Epub 2015 Aug 5. PMID: 26321019.

• A controlled study examining a brief upper-back massage found increases in circulating oxytocin alongside reductions in ACTH, a key stress-axis hormone, suggesting that nurturing touch can engage neuroendocrine pathways linked to calm, social bonding, and reduced stress signalling. 
  
  References: Morhenn V, Beavin LE, Zak PJ. Massage increases oxytocin and reduces adrenocorticotropin hormone in humans. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):11-8. PMID: 23251939. 

For a detailed overview on the Physiological & Biochemical Responses to Touch, click here.

Research across neuroscience, psychophysiology, and pain science shows that gentle, affective touch can engage the body’s endogenous opioid (endorphin) system, which plays a central role in modulating pain, internal bodily signal intensity, and affective state. In contexts of safety and parasympathetic regulation, endorphin signalling is associated with reduced interoceptive “noise,” relief from background discomfort, and subjective feelings often described as lightness, ease, or renewal. Rather than acting as a simple pleasure response, endorphin release supports state-dependent regulation by quieting bodily demand and reinforcing safety predictions. 

Supporting Evidence:

• Human and animal research demonstrates that endogenous opioids are released in response to touch and social contact, contributing to pain modulation, calming effects, and affective regulation, particularly in safe, non-threatening contexts. 
  
  References: Field T., Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review. Developmental Review. 2010; 30(4): 367-383. 
  
  Benedetti F, Mayberg HS, Wager TD, Stohler CS, Zubieta JK. Neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect. J Neurosci. 2005 Nov 9;25(45):10390-402. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3458-05.2005. PMID: 16280578; PMCID: PMC6725834. 

• Neuroscience research shows that endorphins act through μ-opioid receptors to reduce the salience of bodily signals, supporting relief and a sense of ease rather than sedation, and playing a role in both pain reduction and positive affect. 
  
  References: Leknes S, Tracey I. A common neurobiology for pain and pleasure. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008 Apr;9(4):314-20. doi: 10.1038/nrn2333. PMID: 18354400.

• Experimental studies indicate that pleasant touch and affiliative contact engage brain regions involved in endogenous opioid modulation, overlapping with—but functionally distinct from—stress- or threat-related analgesic pathways. 
  
  References: Fields H. State-dependent opioid control of pain. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2004 Jul;5(7):565-75. doi: 10.1038/nrn1431. PMID: 15208698. 

• Massage and touch-based interventions have been associated with reduced pain, improved mood, and feelings of renewal, effects consistent with activation of endogenous opioid systems rather than direct mechanical or pharmacological action. 
  
  References: Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW. A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychol Bull. 2004 Jan;130(1):3-18. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.1.3. PMID: 14717648. 

• Contemporary models of pain and interoception emphasise that endogenous opioids reduce background bodily “noise,” allowing the nervous system to stabilise calm states and reinforcing safety-based regulation rather than performance or mobilisation. 
  
  References: Leknes S, Tracey I. A common neurobiology for pain and pleasure. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008 Apr;9(4):314-20. doi: 10.1038/nrn2333. PMID: 18354400. 

• Controlled studies in high-stress populations, including pregnant women with elevated baseline stress, show that repeated massage therapy is associated with reductions in cortisol alongside improvements in mood and stress-related outcomes, consistent with reduced HPA-axis demand rather than direct hormonal suppression. 
  
  References: Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, Schanberg S, Kuhn C. Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Int J Neurosci. 2005 Oct;115(10):1397-413. doi: 10.1080/00207450590956459. PMID: 16162447. 

For a detailed overview on the Physiological & Biochemical Responses to Touch, click here.