The Research
A deeper look at the evidence
If you’d like to understand more about the research behind some of the approaches used at N-Body, we’ve gathered a selection of studies exploring massage, therapeutic touch and wellbeing.
The research covers everything from stress and sleep to menopause, facial massage, abdominal massage and body treatments.
Select an area below to explore the studies and follow the links to the original research.
Stress & Relaxation
Scalp Massage & Stress
Research into scalp massage has explored its effects on both psychological and physiological signs of stress.
One study involving healthy women receiving regular scalp massage reported decreases in cortisol and norepinephrine, alongside reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. The findings also indicated increased parasympathetic activity associated with the body’s natural rest and recovery response.
The Study
Hand Massage & Relaxation
Research into hand massage has reported reduced heart rate, increased parasympathetic activity and improvements in measures of anxiety and relaxation.
Another study exploring hand and foot massage in older adults found increased feelings of pleasantness, relaxation and refreshment, alongside measurable changes in brain activity.
The Studies
Menopause & Sleep
Massage During Menopause
Several of the studies gathered by NBody have explored the potential role of massage during menopause.
One study involving 44 postmenopausal women reported improvements in insomnia severity, anxiety, mood and quality of life following therapeutic massage.
Another study involving postmenopausal women experiencing insomnia reported improvements in sleep patterns and quality of life.
The Studies
Menopausal Symptoms
A randomised study involving 90 postmenopausal women compared aromatherapy massage, massage using plain oil and a control group.
The research reported improvements in psychological symptoms and reductions in menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, within the massage groups.
Nico’s supporting research also includes a systematic review looking at different physical therapies for women during and after menopause, including therapeutic massage, aromatherapy massage and craniofacial massage.
The Studies
Facial Massage & Gua Sha
Facial Massage, Skin & Wellbeing
One study followed 50 women aged approximately 40–60 completing 14 facial self-massage sessions over two weeks.
Researchers recorded changes in measures including fine lines, radiance and skin plumpness.
The participants’ own experiences were also particularly interesting: 100% reported an increased feeling of wellbeing, while more than 85% felt their skin was smoother and more supple.
The Studies
Craniofacial Massage
Research involving 50 menopausal women aged 45–65 has also explored the wider effects of craniofacial massage.
The study reported improvements in areas including mental health, quality of life and body-image perception, with participants assessed again following treatment.
The Study
Abdominal Massage
Relaxation & the Abdomen
The abdomen is perhaps one of the less obvious areas to associate with massage, but it has been explored within several areas of research.
One study involving 28 people experiencing psychological stress examined manual lymph drainage around the abdomen and recorded changes in brain activity associated with relaxation
The Study
Abdominal Massage & Body Image
Research involving postmenopausal women has also examined abdominal massage alongside whole-body massage.
The study reported changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat, waist circumference and body-image measures following the programme.
The Study
Abdominal Massage & Gut Health
Nico’s research also includes a study investigating abdominal massage in people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers explored changes in metabolic indicators and gut microbiota, reporting changes in both following the intervention.
This was a specific clinical study involving people with an existing medical condition, so its findings shouldn’t be interpreted as an expected outcome of an NBody abdominal massage.
The Study
Massage & The Body
Massage & Cellulite
A study involving 60 women compared mechanical massage, manual lymphatic drainage and connective-tissue manipulation.
Researchers recorded measurable changes in regional fat thickness and thigh circumference following repeated treatments.
The Study
Abdominal Massage & Body Image
Research involving postmenopausal women has also examined abdominal massage alongside whole-body massage.
The study reported changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat, waist circumference and body-image measures following the programme.
The research gathered by Nico also includes work examining cellulite in relation to menopause and the potential influence of hormonal changes on areas including collagen, elastin and microcirculation.
The Study
The Bigger Picture
The research into massage and therapeutic touch is broad, and not every study investigates the same treatment, the same type of person or the same outcome.
That’s important.
These studies don’t tell us what any individual person will experience at N-Body. What they do provide is an interesting and evolving body of evidence around touch, relaxation, stress, sleep, menopause and our relationship with our bodies.
At N-Body, we use research to inform our thinking, while keeping the individual at the centre of every experience.
Research informs us. You guide the treatment.
About the research on this page
The research provided here is for general information and interest. Studies may involve techniques, treatment schedules and participant groups that differ from the treatments offered by N-Body, and individual outcomes will vary.
N-Body provides wellbeing services and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Our services should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.