I knew that chair massage has huge benefits for the mind and body, but while researching the power of touch for a presentation I am giving next week, I came across a curious hormone that has probably been under the radar for many.
We all know about endorphins and how they are the “pleasure” hormone.
It is produced when we are in pain, exercise, or eat chocolate, and we can say it makes us feel great.
Well, there is another cheeky little hormone called oxytocin, which also gives us that “feel good” Friday feeling. It is produced in abundance when a woman is in labour to help her in that process and is also created when lactating to develop the bond between herself and her child.
Benefits of Chair Massage
Scientists have recently found that oxytocin helps in managing stress, helps to improve trust in relationships, and, would you believe it, can be used as a tool to enhance our sex drives.
So before you leave this page to Google oxytocin – to find out how to get hold of it, please read on.
Research has shown that simply touching another person begins to increase levels of oxytocin, another reason why chair massage benefits those at work.
Work at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences suggests that oxytocin can induce anti-stress-like effects, including a reduction in blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
“It increases pain thresholds, stimulates various types of positive social interaction and promotes growth and healing. Oxytocin can be released by various types of non-noxious sensory stimulation, for example, by touch and warmth,” they say.
The power of touch
Recent studies from England pinpointed an area in the brain that becomes highly activated in response to friendly touch. It’s a region called the orbital frontal cortex located just above your eyes. Interestingly, it’s the same area that responds to sweet tastes and pleasing smells.
“A soft touch on the arm makes the orbital frontal cortex light up,” says Matt Hertenstein, an experimental psychologist at DePauw University in Indiana. So, touch is a potent rewarding stimulus—just like the chocolate you find in your cupboard at home.”
The surging of oxytocin makes you feel more trusting and connected. The cascade of electrical impulses slows your heart and lowers your blood pressure, making you feel less stressed and more soothed.
I don’t know about you, but I find it remarkable that this complex surge of events isis initiated by a simple and supportive touch.
So, next time you touch someone, be aware that you are creating a better bond with them, which is particularly powerful when massaging an older adult.
Significantly, their perception of you will change according to the touch. If it is a caring touch, their stress levels and blood pressure will drop, and they will undoubtedly feel better.
To learn more about our chair massage programme and how it can benefit you, click here.