Thai massage hormones – how are cortisol and oxytocin affected?

Thai massage hormones is about how massage can affect stress and love hormones – and several studies indicate that Thai massage can actually lower cortisol and significantly increase oxytocin.

Cortisol: The stress hormone decreases after massage

A study by Rapaport et al. (2012) showed that a single 45-minute massage reduced cortisol levels in healthy adults compared to control groups, while significantly increasing oxytocin :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The same pattern was confirmed with repeated treatments, with two sessions per week in particular producing a greater overall effect on oxytocin and lower vasopressin :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Oxytocin: The “love hormone” increases with touch

Massage directly affects oxytocin. A study by Morhenn et al. (2012) measured blood samples before and after 15 minutes of moderate pressure on the back, and showed a significant increase in oxytocin and a decrease in ACTH and other stress markers :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. This may explain the feeling of presence and security after Thai massage.

Thai massage specifically and hormone response

Although most studies deal with general massage, one review suggests that traditional methods – including Thai massage – increase parasympathetic activity, regulate hormones, reduce inflammation and strengthen the general hormonal environment :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Thai massage in practice: pregnant women, stressed people and the elderly

Specialized studies—for example, with Thai massage and aromatherapy in cancer patients—show that lymphocytes increase and stress decreases. This is evidence that hormone secretion may be part of the effect :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

In a study of pregnant women, Thai massage shortened the length of labor by promoting oxytocin production, although such massage is primarily used in conjunction with pressure and energy pathways :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Why hormones matter

Cortisol and oxytocin act as a kind of yin/yang for stress and calm. When cortisol drops and oxytocin rises, anxiety, blood pressure, and inflammation are reduced—while sleep and a sense of belonging are improved. This applies not only to physical goals, but also to mental and emotional well-being :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Danish perspectives and clinical application

In Denmark, mentions Health.dk massage as a support for stress management and recovery. On Science.dk describes how touch affects physiological stress markers, and nursing homes etc. report increased well-being by offering massage to the elderly :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

How to get started with Thai massage for hormone balance

• Find a clinic at thailisten.dk/clinics
• Learn about the method via thailisten.dk/hvad-er-thaimassage
• Read about stress reduction via thailisten.dk/thaimassage-til-stress

Tell the therapist about your goal: That you want an effect on hormones and stress – and possibly book repeated sessions for better effect.

Conclusion

There is solid evidence that **Thai massage** has a positive effect on hormones: The stress hormone cortisol decreases and oxytocin increases – even with repeated sessions. This can help create calm, better sleep and a sense of togetherness. Although more research is still desirable, existing studies suggest a real hormonal effect of traditional Thai treatment.