Oxytocin Massage: A Boon for Postnatal Mothers

Abstract

Oxytocin is primarily created in the hypothalamus, from where, it either exits into the bloodstream via the pituitary gland or travels to specific regions of the brain and spinal cord, where it binds to oxytocin receptors and affects physiology and behavior. The coordinating and modulating system, which is powered by oxytocin, is fueled by the circulation and the nerves that connect to key brain control regions. Oxytocin is a hormone that works as an antagonist to vasopressin (a component of the stimulation process that results in the stress hormone cortisol) to help people respond to their environment in a healthy and balanced way. Oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and is crucial for many human activities, such as sexual arousal, recognition, trust, romantic attachment, mother-child bonding, birthing, uterine contractions, and lactation. There are other ways to stimulate the oxytocin such as simply thinking about someone we care about, recalling a fulfilling social interaction, hugging a friend, being in a natural setting, playing, laughing, deep breathing, listening to calming music, etc. can all help to increase the production of this hormone. Numerous studies have shown how well oxytocin massage therapy works to lower stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and generally enhance people’'s health and relaxation. Additionally, it has been proven that massage helps to boost up hormones and also the amount of oxytocin released from natural sources. Oxytocin massage is one of the best non-pharmacological methods with a lot of health benefits to for the postnatal mothers.