In a study done by New Zealand researchers who were testing the role of massage therapy on migraine headaches, levels of stress were measured through levels of cortisol. A daily log of the participants’ own perceived levels of stress were also recorded after each massage session. The study concluded that, “compared with control participants, massage participants showed decrease in heart rate, anxious mood and salivary cortisol right after the massage.”
In an article from Massage Therapy Magazine entitled “Moderate vs. Light Pressure in Massage,” a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute has shown how moderate pressure in massage can reduce heart rate.
The study consisted of 36 participants (average age of 28, 58% female, 42% male) who were randomly assigned to equal numbered groups. Similar to the study conducted by the New Zealand researchers, these people were asked to complete self-reports related to baseline stress and anxiety levels. This was done prior to the massage therapy tests, a.k.a, “touch protocol.” *EEG caps and EKG electrodes were placed on the participants. Activity was recorded before, during, and after a 10-minute massage treatment. Self-reports were conducted after the session as well.
The results showed that the participants had an overall reduction in stress and anxiety through the treatment. However, the results were much more significant for the group that received moderate pressure. “Researchers say the increase in frontal delta power and decreased heart rate for the moderate pressure subjects suggests a relaxation response with lower arousal.” Additionally, moderate pressure subjects exhibited a greater shift of EEG levels that are associated with a positive emotional response of mood and affect.
Overall, all groups displayed a shift in activity, varying in degrees, and participants of both groups perceived the experiment as “pleasant.” The only difference was the results for the moderate pressure group were more pronounced.
*(Electroencephalography (EEG) is the measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain as recorded from electrodes placed on the scalp.)
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