Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1013756
2 3 Setting therapeutic goals helps stimulate dopamine. A post-therapy hug further releases oxytocin. such as staring in the mirror while rotating their shoulders side-to-side. This novel maneuver tricks the brain into believing it can rotate the head without threat. By completing the exercise each night, the client will begin to rest more comfortably. To stimulate dopamine at the next session, praise their efforts and encourage them toward achieving their next goal. The pleasure-reward hormone will give them a lift before the hands-on work even begins. OXYTOCIN: THE HUG- IT-OUT HORMONE Good, empathetic bodywork in a warm, friendly environment is just the ticket to help form social bonds that keep the client's oxytocin fl owing. Over a series of sessions, oxytocin enhances intimacy and trust, contributing to healthy client relationships and improved therapeutic outcomes. In fact, researchers have found that interpersonal touch not only stimulates oxytocin release, but also reduces cardiovascular stress and enhances immune function. 1 Other studies have concluded that nonvigorous massage with the intent of pampering the client better enhances oxytocin release. 2 For best results, I suggest experimenting with various levels of hand pressure during sessions. If the situation permits, give the client a post-therapy hug to stimulate their social chemicals. You'll fi nd it will provide you both with a feel-good oxytocin buzz (Image 3). SEROTONIN: THE HAPPY HORMONE Serotonin, another mood-boosting neurotransmitter, was made famous by the invention of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, which increase the brain's serotonin levels. This neurotransmitter directly infl uences dopamine—the chemical that makes your client feel good—so it's important to know how to trigger it. The most effective and natural ways to boost serotonin are through exercise, biosocial bonding, and good bodywork. Don't be surprised when the client falls asleep on the therapy table even when receiving vigorous soft-tissue manipulation, as the production of serotonin is a key component of sleep. Along with your hands-on work, an additional way to get serotonin fl owing is by assuring the client they are being heard and respected. It's important to stay present and engaged from the time they walk in the door. Refl ecting on past therapeutic achievements also elevates their mood as they relive the experience and take pride in the goals they have achieved. ENDORPHINS: THE PAIN- KILLING HORMONES Endorphins are released by the brain, spinal cord, and pituitary gland in response to stressful situations, perceived threat, or pain. They temporarily buffer pain in much the same way as drugs such as morphine and codeine and are known to bring on feelings of euphoria (runner's high) during vigorous exercise. Working in conjunction with serotonin, endorphins also help alleviate anxiety and depression. Researchers have found slow, sustained deep-tissue work best stimulates the release of endorphins, causing the brain to gate the pain. In the beginning, endorphin work only masks the client's discomfort, but with each session, the brain begins changing its mind about the pain as confi dence in the therapeutic intervention increases. HELPING HAPPINESS Our bodies are home to an intricate hormonal system that constantly works for our survival. This system produces feel-good chemicals as the motivation and reward for taking steps toward what's good for us. Together, these hormones create a desirable brain state that keeps people coming back for more. Since the therapeutic goal of bodywork and corrective exercise is to tilt the balance away from stress and toward relaxation and healing, we can use our hands-on work to help give a boost to these essential happiness hormones. Notes 1. J. Gutkowska, M. Jankowski, and J. Antunes- Rodrigues, "The Role of Oxytocin in Cardiovascular Regulation," Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 47, no. 3 (2014): 206–14. 2. A. Vigotsky and R. Bruhns, "The Role of Descending Modulation in Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications: A Narrative Review," Pain Research and Treatment (2015), https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/292805. Erik Dalton, PhD, is the executive director of the Freedom from Pain Institute. Educated in massage, osteopathy, and Rolfi ng, he has maintained a practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for more than three decades. For more information, visit www.erikdalton.com. Video: "Triggering Feel-Good Hormones Through Touch"