Why Humans Love to Receive Massage: A Physiological and Psychological Perspective

March 31, 2025 admin

As the IMA Founder I am very often asked why humans love to receive massages, it made me reflect about it and it ended up with this articles. Enjoy.

Massage is one of the oldest and most universal forms of healing. Across cultures and centuries, humans have sought out massage for relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being. But why do we love to receive massage so much? The answer lies in both the physiology of the body and the psychology of the mind.

The Physiological Reasons: Why Our Bodies Crave Massage

The human body is designed to respond positively to touch. Massage stimulates various systems in the body, triggering beneficial effects that contribute to our love for it.

1. The Release of Feel-Good Hormones

Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—all chemicals that promote feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being.

• Endorphins act as natural painkillers, reducing discomfort and stress.

• Oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” creates feelings of trust and connection.

• Serotonin and dopamine improve mood and help combat anxiety and depression.

2. Reduction of Stress Hormones

Chronic stress leads to an overproduction of cortisol and adrenaline, which keep the body in a constant state of tension. Massage helps lower these stress hormones, bringing the nervous system back to a relaxed state.

3. Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

Massage increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues while helping remove waste products. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in detoxification and immune function.

4. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

Massage helps to release knots and tension in the muscles by breaking down adhesions and increasing flexibility. This is why massage is commonly used for injury recovery, chronic pain conditions, and post-exercise recovery.

5. Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes deep relaxation.

The Psychological Reasons: Why the Mind Loves Massage

Beyond the physical benefits, massage also meets deep-seated psychological and emotional needs.

1. The Need for Human Touch

Touch is one of the most fundamental human needs. From birth, humans thrive on physical contact. Studies show that touch reduces anxiety, improves mood, and enhances emotional well-being.

2. The Power of Relaxation and Mindfulness

Massage encourages a state of mindfulness, where the receiver can focus on bodily sensations and let go of daily stressors. This break from mental overload is one of the key reasons people seek out massage.

3. Connection and Comfort

Receiving massage fosters a sense of being cared for, which can be deeply therapeutic, especially for people experiencing loneliness or emotional distress. The oxytocin release during massage enhances feelings of connection and security.

4. Mental Reset and Emotional Release

Many people experience emotional release during massage because physical tension is closely tied to emotional stress. By releasing tightness in the body, massage helps process and release stored emotions, leading to a sense of relief and lightness.

5. Association with Self-Care and Reward

Psychologically, massage is often seen as an act of self-care. It provides a moment of escape from daily responsibilities, reinforcing the idea that taking care of oneself is important.

Conclusion: A Deeply Human Experience

Humans love to receive massage because it fulfills both physical and emotional needs. Physiologically, it soothes the nervous system, relieves pain, and boosts well-being. Psychologically, it provides comfort, connection, and a sense of relaxation. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress is constant, massage remains one of the most effective ways to restore balance in both body and mind.

Whether for relaxation, healing, or simply the pleasure of human touch, massage continues to be a universally loved experience that speaks to the very core of our nature.

Article by Jeppe Tengbjerg (CEO & Founder of the International Massage Association)

Did you like the article? Or did you like taking part of the World Championship in Massage or one of our classes, then please feel free to give us a nice review on Google.

Gvantsa Khoperia

04:23 22 May 25

My name is gvantsa khoperiaAnd world championIMA AmbassadorIMA TeacherTHERE IS GudgeIMA is the best organization in the world 🌎IMA my female.

Surya Bahdur Karki

23:18 16 May 25

I am working on this Massage(SPA) therapy , Yoga and Naturopathic field since 1984 in Nepal. It is very useful service for human being globally. we can treated many disease by these systems.

الشاعر مدحت حمادى

05:38 01 May 25

Excellent

Karine Boivin

22:37 29 Apr 25

khatereh zandiyeh

16:20 30 Mar 25

Pia Lyng-Hansen

04:14 12 Mar 25

cool, fun and a great opportunity to learn. Thank you.

Anna Baroni

21:50 08 Mar 25

Dear therapist friends,Creating a video for a championship increases your visibility in the sector, you are known by the world of massage, it increases your professional growth and every time I made a video by participating in this competition I donated all my experience, and I tried to convey my passion, my art, my techniques.It takes commitment, love and innovation to make a video and capture the public's attention.I think the most important ingredient is to convey an important message, furthermore I had a lot of fun every time I chose to present a new video and I am sure that participating with one of our videos will remain in the history of massage, because Ima represents thethe only large and true association that represents the union of all therapists in the world to disseminate the art of massage. Every year. I have presented several of my videos with my different massage techniques and also this year 24 without any expectations and to my great amazementOn June 24 in Copenhagen I won likeBest video in the teachers category.Go see it on you tube Ima.Anna BaroniThe lady of emotions, as the great Constantine Barbu christened meThe mother of massage for many Masters and judges but there is a reason whyI was the first in the world of massage in 1995 to have two great intuitions:👑The first combines 7 techniques into oneMy. Physiomassage👑The second is to bring the stretching technique to the table.My. Postural stretchingThanks @jeppeTiengbergAnna Baroni master ♥️

Ruby Tolentino Sanches

16:48 22 Feb 25

I had the honor of participating in the 7th Massage Competition held in Copenhagen, Denmark, last June about 250 over participants from 50 over countries.During this event, I encountered numerous massage therapists who profoundly inspired me till now, we made connectionson social media, learning new techniques from them as well.The competition venue was expansive and expertly designed to accommodate all categories of massage.Mr. Jeppe, my greatest idol, was exceptionally engaged throughout the event. His energy seemed boundless, akin to a rechargeable battery, as he was present everywhere, capturing videos and photographs of all participants and conducting interviews with us.Wishing all my fellow "muscle kneaders" the best of luck; may you enjoy this truly remarkable experience in your lives!I extend my gratitude to IMA for providing this extraordinary opportunity to showcase our talents to the world.PSLet me know if you need some tips on accommodation, walking distance to the venue 😉Mabuhay! 🇵🇭

Jurij Juriak

13:46 31 Jan 25

Jesus Gomez

23:07 12 Jan 25

PRASANNA GAMAGE

13:14 07 Jan 25

Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.

Cornelia N

18:11 06 Jan 25

Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!

Vlad-Florin Panait

07:13 17 Dec 24

I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.

Alligator Tab

10:27 16 Dec 24

Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.

Kinga Jenei

14:26 15 Dec 24

Bridgette Mensah

05:22 02 Dec 24

I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!

Nataly Werthaim

23:11 21 Nov 24

"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"

May Au

09:57 20 Oct 24

It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!

Sami Stressade

10:45 20 Sep 24

The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.

Amanda J M.

03:52 18 Sep 24

Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇

semenuk-t Tanya

14:45 25 Aug 24

Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.

Massage World Magazine International

18:39 24 May 24

I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.

Tereze Belkova

19:06 24 Apr 24

An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.

Michael Pedersen

21:24 05 Mar 24

Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.

Carsten Anderslund

20:12 05 Mar 24

Carl Newbury

11:28 29 Feb 24

I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe

Victoria Bilousova

12:54 07 Feb 24

Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇

Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit

07:51 07 Feb 24

It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands

Chutima Hälg

00:47 07 Feb 24

I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.

Corpore Vital

16:13 06 Feb 24

Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.

Jeg er en massageterapeut, og jeg sætter pris på artiklen i den forstand, at gennemlæsning genopfrisker mit sind og har også hjulpet mig til at vide, at jeg bruger de rigtige teknikker i min praksis, og mine klienter er altid forbløffede, efter jeg har behandlet dem.Tak! Så meget for at dele det har været oplysende!

Natalija Ilic

13:05 29 Nov 24

Fantastisk konkurrence!!!

Kæmpe stor ros for at afholde dm i massage 2024.Varm atmosfære, god energi og super godt tilrettelagt.En skole der brænder for at give eleverne, den bedst mulige uddannelse.Kan kun på det varmeste anbefale skolen.

Constantin Roman

02:30 07 Jan 24

Jeg mødte Jeppe Tengbjerg for første gang ved det første World Massage Championship i 2017. Siden da har vi krydset veje mange gange, i forskellige samarbejder relateret til massageverdenen: internationale konkurrencer, danske konkurrencer, kurser, workshops, seminarer, masterclasses mv. . Her var Jeppe skaberen, arrangøren eller i det mindste var han en væsentlig faktor i dannelsen af disse værdifulde platforme for uddannelse, inspiration og promovering, for alle dem, der er involveret i massageverdenen, både som massageudbydere og som massageforbrugere.Jeppe har ydet et kæmpe bidrag til at fremme massageværdier i Danmark og verden. Der kunne siges meget om dette bidrag og om hans egenskaber som professionel og som person. Måske allervigtigst er, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er en inspiration og et forbillede. Han samler flittigt viden og erfaringer, hvorfra han skaber en kilde til ny viden og erfaring til andre og giver den videre.I dag er der allerede mange mennesker i verden, som har nydt godt af det kolossale arbejde, Jeppe konstant udfører. Jeppe er for mig et eksempel på flid, vedholdenhed og engagement.Jeg synes, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er et navn, der allerede er trådt ind i massagens historie.Vil du vide mere om Jeppes arbejde, så følg ham tæt på alle digitale kanaler, hvor han har publiceret talrige artikler og relevante materialer.Hvis du er en massageterapeut interesseret i at blive endnu bedre, så deltag i konkurrencer eller uddannelser promoveret af Jeppe Tengbjerg.Drømmer du om at blive massør, så kontakt Jeppe Tengbjerg.

Camilla Ring

11:57 03 Nov 23

Har taget flere både uddannelser og kurser hos Jeppe og har kun godt at sige om det. Jeg har været rigtig tilfreds og bruger hver dag, al min tillærte viden i min klinik ✨

Anne Breinberg

10:06 22 Sep 23

God skole med et bredt spektrum af sundhedsuddannelser - både enkeltstående og overbyggende.Jeg har tidligere taget massøruddannelsen og hvad dertil hører og er pt. i gang med zoneterapiuddannelsen.

Helene Baumann

04:35 09 Mar 23

Jeg har taget både grunduddannelsen, skadesterapeut, thai yoga massage samt sundhedsfaglig grunduddannelse hos tengbjerg massørskole og jeg er så tilfreds. Man lærer utrolig meget på kurserne og underviserne er så kompetente! Hvis man overvejer at blive massør, kan jeg på det kraftigste anbefale at man smutter til Næstved! :-)

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Why Humans Love to Receive Massage: A Physiological and Psychological Perspective

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