Spa Executive | Issue 13 | December 2019

Scientific proof that massage can
reduce stress during the holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time, even if
you love the season.
A survey conducted last year by the American
Psychological Association found that 38% of
people said their stress levels increased over
the holidays and that this affect was more
marked in women than in men (44% vs 31%).
Other surveys have found that much higher
numbers — as many as 90% — of people get
stressed out over the holidays about a variety
of things. These include money, weight gain,
crowds and long lines, travel, and spending
time with relatives. And this stress can have
real consequences on both physical and
psychological wellbeing.
Fortunately, the massages offered at your spa
can help your guests cope with the
skyrocketing stress levels associated with the
most wonderful time of the year. If people are
looking for scientific evidence that massage
can reduce stress, here is a roundup of
findings about the effects of different
applications of massage – including
reflexology and facial massage – on stress
and anxiety levels.
Massage therapy decreases stress and
anxiety
Researchers at the Touch Research Institutes
examined studies on the effects of massage
therapy on biochemistry, including decreased
cortisol and increased serotonin and
dopamine levels. The research reviewed
included studies on depression, pain,
auto-immune conditions, HIV, breast cancer,
and stress from work, aging, and pregnancy.
In studies in which levels of the stress
hormone cortisol were measured, significant
decreases, averaging 31%, were noted. In
studies measuring the neurotransmitters
serotonin and dopamine, both of which
contribute to feelings of happiness and
wellbeing, an average increase of 28% was
noted for serotonin and an average increase
of 31% was noted for dopamine. The authors
19 | Spa Executive Technology