The Effects of Massage Therapy on Cortisol Overproduction

An overproduction of cortisol is associated with increased anxiety and stress levels and even depression of the immune system. The effects of massage therapy, however, are numerous to the production of cortisol as well as an individual's mood.

Cortisol and Mood

• The overproduction of cortisol via the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis system is partly responsible for increased anxiety and stress levels. This also affects our mood; the continual secretion of cortisol and abnormal HPA-axis functioning can lead to depressed moods, fatigue, exhaustion and other mental health disorders.

Cortisol Decreases

• Numerous studies have been conducted that demonstrate cortisol levels decrease in individuals treated with massage therapy. In a review article by Dr. Tiffany Field and four other researchers published in the "International Journal of Neuroscience" in 2005, studies were presented in which individuals who were stressed and/or depressed were treated with massage therapy. In these cases, a 30 percent approximate reduction in cortisol levels were seen.

  Another study by Doctors Lawler and Cameron published in the "Annals of Behavioral Medicine" in 2006 revealed that cortisol levels and migraine frequency decreased for participants who were treated with weekly massage therapy sessions.

Stress-Alleviating Effects

• Since high cortisol levels are associated with high stress and anxiety levels, massage therapy relieves stress by lowering cortisol levels. Two of the main reasons why people who receive massage therapy feel less stressed is because the therapy promotes relaxation, creating a diversion away from stressful thoughts and feelings and promotes circulation throughout the body.