Harnessing the Healing Power of Massage and Touch to Lower Cortisol and Balance Women's Hormones
- Kelly Singh
- 16 hours ago
- 10 min read
In today's fast-paced world, stress has taken a toll on many, especially women in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s. As women juggle careers, family responsibilities, and personal aspirations, high levels of stress can spike cortisol levels. Chronic cortisol elevation can lead to various health issues, including hormonal imbalances that can affect overall quality of life. Fortunately, therapies such as massage, facials, and reiki offer numerous benefits. This post examines how these therapies can help women enhance their well-being and achieve hormonal balance.
Before diving into today's blog post, I wanted to share that I am celebrating "28 years as a professional massage and beauty skincare therapist" since 1997 on Tuesday, 30th September 2025. I also wanted to express my passion for massage, facials and Reiki in this post and discuss how fulfilling it has been as a career for nearly three decades. Massage, Facials and Reiki in general are truly remarkable, offering calm, relaxation, and tension relief to even the most stressed clients I've treated throughout my career.
Additionally, I've recently written a highly informative ebook on the topic of massage and its incredible benefits for lower back pain and general back pain—"Lower Back Pain Relief: Advanced Approaches to Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Lower Back Pain." This book empowers you to live pain-free.
It's now available for just £8.99. Check it out here in my shop.
I hope you can grab a copy and find today's blog post both informative and beneficial for your wellness journey. Additionally, I look forward to welcoming you to my therapy room soon for a self-care massage, facial, or a soothing Reiki session.
Understanding Cortisol and Its Effects On Women's Health
Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," is crucial for the body's response to stress. While it serves essential functions, long-term high levels can result in problems like anxiety, weight gain, and hormonal disruptions. According to research, women may experience a 10-15% increase in cortisol during stressful situations, particularly during menopause and perimenopause, when hormone fluctuations can intensify stress and anxiety. Managing cortisol levels is crucial for breaking this cycle and enhancing overall health.
The Role of Massage in Lowering Cortisol
Massage therapy is an effective way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. Studies indicate that massage can reduce cortisol levels by as much as 31% after just one session. The physical sensation of massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system. When skin and muscle tissues are gently touched and manipulated, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for "rest and digest." This activation slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This helps the body transition from a state of stress to one of calm. This calming effect not only lowers cortisol but also encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters.
Massage also helps relax tense muscles, which often hold onto stress physically, and stimulates the release of feel-good neurochemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals improve mood and help counteract anxiety and tension. Additionally, the calming touch fosters feelings of safety and emotional comfort, which can diminish mental stress.
Overall, massage acts as a physical and emotional reset, signalling to the body that it’s safe to relax, thereby reducing the physiological effects of built-up stress and supporting overall mental and physical health.
Regular massage sessions provide women with an opportunity to escape their daily pressures, allowing them to reconnect with their bodies. Options like a 60-minute Swedish massage or a deep tissue session can make a significant difference, especially when integrated into a self-care routine.
How Massage Can Help Benefit Your Hormonal Health and Stress Balance
Massage therapy has long been recognised for its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress, but its benefits extend far beyond mere comfort. One of the most intriguing aspects of massage is its potential to positively influence hormonal health and balance within the body. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, immune response, and reproductive processes. When hormonal levels are imbalanced, it can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and various chronic conditions.
Prioritising self-care is not just a luxury, and massage isn't meant to be either, it is essential for maintaining physical and emotional health and balance.
The Connection Between Massage and Hormonal Regulation
Research has shown that massage can stimulate the production of several key hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These hormones contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being, helping to counteract the effects of stress and anxiety. When you receive a massage, your body responds by releasing these hormones, which can lead to improved mood and a greater sense of emotional stability, calm and relaxation.
Reducing Cortisol Levels
One of the most significant impacts of massage on hormonal health is its ability to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While cortisol is essential for survival and helps manage our body's response to stress, chronic high levels can lead to negative health outcomes, including weight gain, high blood pressure, heart diseases and a weakened immune system, which can create diseases such as cancer. Regular massage therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels, thereby mitigating the harmful effects of stress and promoting a more balanced hormonal environment.
Enhancing Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and energy levels through the production of hormones, can also benefit from massage therapy. By improving circulation and promoting relaxation, massage may help enhance thyroid function and support the body’s metabolic processes. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from thyroid imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, as it can aid in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with these conditions.
Improving Reproductive Health
For those dealing with reproductive health issues, massage can play a vital role in hormonal balance. Techniques such as abdominal massage can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing ovarian function and menstrual regularity in women. Additionally, massage can alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, such as mood swings, bloating, and discomfort. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, massage may also help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility by creating a more conducive hormonal environment.
Supporting Adrenal Health
The adrenal glands produce several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which are critical for managing stress. Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, where the little glands on top of each kidney become overworked and unable to produce adequate amounts of these hormones.
Massage therapy can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, thereby supporting adrenal health and helping to restore hormonal balance. Techniques such as aromatherapy massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage can be particularly beneficial in this regard, as they encourage the body to enter a state of deep relaxation, recovery and rest.
The Emotional Release through Massage
Massage therapy is not just a luxury; it is a powerful tool for releasing negative emotions and stress stored in the body and tissues. The physical act of massage can facilitate the release of pent-up feelings, and tension allowing individuals to experience a profound emotional and psychological shift and create a relaxed state of being. This connection between the body and mind is essential for holistic well-being.
How Massage Releases Negative Emotions
When the body experiences stress, tension, or trauma, it often holds onto these negative emotions in the muscles and tissues. Massage therapy helps to:
Release Muscle Tension: By applying pressure to specific areas, massage can physically loosen tight muscles, which may be holding onto emotional stress.
Encourage Blood Flow: Improved circulation during a massage helps to flush out toxins and promote healing, which can contribute to emotional release.
Stimulate the Nervous System: The soothing effects of massage can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
Facilitate Emotional Expression: Many individuals find that during or after a massage, they can access and express emotions that may have been suppressed.
Benefits for the Body and Mind
The benefits of releasing negative emotions through massage extend far beyond the immediate physical effects. These include:
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Regular massage can significantly lower anxiety levels, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
Enhanced Mood: The release of endorphins during massage can elevate mood and promote feelings of happiness.
Improved Sleep Quality: By alleviating tension and stress, massage can contribute to better sleep patterns, which are crucial for emotional health.
Strengthened Immune System: Reduced stress levels can lead to a stronger immune response, enhancing overall health.
Greater Emotional Resilience: By processing and releasing emotions, individuals may develop a greater capacity to cope with future stressors.
Conclusion
Incorporating massage into one’s wellness routine can be a transformative experience, promoting both emotional and physical health. By understanding the profound impact that massage has on releasing negative emotions, individuals can take proactive steps towards achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether through professional therapy or the comforting touch of loved ones, the benefits of massage are invaluable for nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
Facials: A Holistic Approach to Stress Relief
Facials offer more than skin benefits—they also serve as an opportunity for relaxation and stress reduction. The soothing techniques within a facial can lower cortisol levels through practices involving gentle massage, aromatic essential oils, and calming environments. Women often report feeling a sense of rejuvenation during facials, which can take as little as 30 minutes.
Facial muscles can hold a lot of tension because they are closely connected to our emotional states and habitual expressions. When we're stressed, anxious, or tense, these muscles often contract involuntarily—think of clenching the jaw, furrowing the brow, or tightening around the eyes. Over time, this habitual muscle contraction can lead to persistent tightness, contributing to headaches, discomfort, and the development of fine lines or wrinkles. Since facial muscles are involved in expressing emotions, they often mirror our internal stress, making tension in the face both a reflection and a contributor to overall stress levels.
That is why I recommend regular facials, especially facial massages, so that the muscles on the face can be worked and skin can become firmer and brighter, with regular treatments.
Facial massage provides multiple benefits for the skin on your face and neck. It boosts circulation, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, resulting in a brighter, healthier glow. Massage also encourages lymphatic drainage, helping reduce puffiness and remove toxins from tissues. Additionally, regular facial massage can stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
It also relaxes tense facial muscles, alleviating stress and preventing tension-related skin issues. Plus, massaging helps skincare products absorb better, maximising their benefits. Overall, facial massage promotes a more youthful, relaxed, and radiant complexion.
Facials not only enhance skin health, for instance, studies show that regular facials can improve skin hydration by 20-30% which is crucial for maintaining a youthful and vibrant appearance. Hydrated skin is less prone to issues such as dryness, flakiness, and premature aging, while simultaneously providing a moment of self-care that many women overlook in their busy lives.
Facials not only enhance skin health but also contribute significantly to emotional well-being and overall mental health. A facial not only serves as a treatment for the skin but also provides a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. The soothing atmosphere of a therapy room, combined with the gentle touch of a trained professional, creates a calming environment that can reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
When individuals invest time and resources into their skincare, it often leads to a greater appreciation for their appearance, fostering a positive self-image.
I recommend regular facials if you are in your 40's every 6 weeks, in your 50's and 60's every 4 months. If you have oily, acne and congested skins every 2-3 weeks, would be beneficial for your skin, sensitive skin every 7-8 weeks.
Book your next facial with me here...
Reiki: Energy Healing for Stress Relief and Hormonal Balance
Reiki is a gentle energy healing technique that helps promote relaxation and reduce stress. This practice involves transferring energy from the practitioner to the client, creating a sense of
balance. Many women find that reiki can help lower cortisol levels and support their body's hormonal rhythms.
Clients often describe a profound sense of peace following a reiki session. Research suggests that regular sessions can lead to improved emotional stability and a decrease in cortisol levels, making it an excellent addition to a holistic wellness routine.
Book your next Reiki session with me here...
Integrating Therapies for Optimal Results
While each therapy—massage, facials, and reiki—offers unique advantages, combining them can maximise benefits. For example, scheduling a monthly or fortnightly massages, along with monthly facials and occasional reiki sessions every other month can create a well-rounded approach to managing stress and achieving hormonal balance.
By including these therapies in their self-care strategies, women can address immediate physical and mental stress while nurturing their emotional and spiritual needs.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Touch and Massage into Your Life
Schedule Regular Appointments: Consider making massage therapy part of your self-care schedule. Aim for at least one session once a month to maximise relaxation and stress relief. If you are in a state of constant stress with work, home life, family etc.. then I recommend fortnightly massage sessions as a must and go to for your self-care.
Practice Self-Massage: Invest a few minutes daily in self-massage. Focus on areas like the neck, shoulders, and feet to release tension and promote relaxation.
Create a Relaxing Environment in your home: Whether at home or in a spa, a calming atmosphere makes a significant difference. Soft lighting, relaxing music, and pleasant scents can enhance your experience.
Explore Different Therapies: Everyone responds differently to various treatments. Try different therapies, whether facials or reiki, to find what works best for you.
Taking Charge of Your Health
In a world filled with stress, harnessing the healing powers of massage and touch can be transformative for women in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s. By managing cortisol levels and promoting hormonal balance, these therapies are pathways to improved health and well-being.
Embracing a holistic approach that includes massage, facials, and reiki empowers women to take charge of their health and well-being. Prioritising self-care is not just a luxury, it is essential for maintaining physical and emotional balance.
By integrating these healing practices into your life, you can navigate everyday challenges with greater ease. This could lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. Remember, your health is in your hands, so make it a priority.
Check Out My New Massage Book
To celebrate my upcoming "28 years as a professional massage and beauty therapist" this Tuesday 30th September 2025, I wanted to share my new ebook on "Lower Back Pain Relief: Advanced Approaches to Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Lower Back Pain." This book empowers you to live pain-free.
It's now available for just £8.99. Check it out here in my shop if you would like a copy.
Looking forward to seeing you again soon for either a massage, facial or Reiki or all three very soon.
Have a great day!
Kelly
x
From Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies
Email: kellysinghinfo@mail.com
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