●Stimulates the release of hormones (endorphins and enkephalins) that reduce anxiety, stress and pain.
●Lowers the levels of stress hormones (nor-epinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol), which reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, slows breathing and relaxes muscles. 
●Increases levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that increases social bonding and behaviors like trustworthiness, generosity and empathy. 
●Reduces activation of pain receptors in the spinal cord and muscles.
●Blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, and HSP-27), which stops swelling and inflammation of muscle tissue.
●Increases blood flow to muscles, connective tissue and the lymph nodes.