Great question! Massage doesn’t just relax your muscles—it also triggers powerful chemical releases in your body that explain why you feel so good afterwards.

What Is Released in Your Body After a Massage?

When you get a massage, your body goes into relax-and-repair mode, shifting away from stress. Here’s what gets released:

1. Endorphins – The Natural Painkillers

Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, which reduce pain and create a sense of euphoria (similar to a “runner’s high”).

2. Serotonin – The Mood Stabilizer

This “feel-good” neurotransmitter improves mood, reduces anxiety, and helps regulate sleep.

3. Dopamine – The Reward Chemical

Massage boosts dopamine levels, which are linked to pleasure, motivation, and relaxation.

4. Oxytocin – The Bonding Hormone

Sometimes called the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released through touch, helping you feel calm, connected, and comforted.

5. Reduced Cortisol – The Stress Hormone

Massage lowers cortisol levels, which reduces stress, eases tension, and supports immune function.

✨ In short: After a massage, your body releases a powerful mix of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, while lowering cortisol. That’s why you feel less stressed, more relaxed, and sometimes even happier afterwards.