A client informs the massage therapist that she has been feeling "stressed" lately. The therapist suggests the use of Swedish massage. What hormone is typically reduced during Swedish massage?

During a massage the parasympathetic nervous system is activated suppressing the production of cortisol. During times of stress the sympathetic nervous system is active releasing the hormones adrenaline and cortisol preparing one to either fight or run - "Fight or Flight". Cortisol prepares the body by flooding it with glucose, supplying an immediate energy source to large muscles. It narrows arteries increasing blood pressure. It also inhibits insulin production to prevent glucose from being stored, favoring its immediate use. This leads to blood sugar imbalances and diabetes, weight gain and obesity, immune system suppression and gastrointestinal problems.