Cortisol
The body's primary stress hormone, reduced by massage therapy.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While essential for the fight-or-flight response, chronically elevated cortisol contributes to anxiety, weight gain, sleep problems, and immune suppression. Research shows massage therapy can reduce cortisol levels by up to 31% per session, making it an effective stress management tool.