There are several types of hormones that are released during a massage and they can all be considered under the umbrella term as ‘feel good’ hormones. At the same time the ‘not-so-good-for-you’ hormones are reduced. The hormones that are released during a professional massage include; dopamine which makes you feel good and improves normal brain functioning). Serotonin (a general mood enhancing hormone), and oxytocin (a general feel good hormone nicknamed the ‘hugging hormone). The hormones that are decreased are the ones associated with short-term and long-stress and include; epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. All of these tend to lower the immune system and disrupt digestion and tissue repair.
From: answers.com
Richard Russ is a massage therapist and the owner of Russ Medical and Sport Massage Clinic. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and at info@beavercountymassage.com.