Serotonin

[druiaghtagh]

Serotonin is the'feel good' chemical produced by the body, is ther any truth in that ive heard it can be produced by massaging pressure points on the body such as the one between finger and thumb, sorry if this is wrong section

[slimfandango]

It's a neurotransmitter, partly implicated in the transmission of some pleasure signals.

The massaging bit is complete horsey poo.

[Mr Sensible]

Druiaghtagh -

Maybe you are thinking of the hormone 'oxytocin'?

[newtron]

I know there is a pressure point at that location that temporarily cures headaches.

[Gilli]

The only way I've ever heard of kickstarting serotonin is by actually doing something that makes you feel good ! Whilst it may not feel like it while you're doing it, apparently exercise also releases serotonin and is therefore recommended for depression sufferers.

Having said that .... I wouldn't be surprised if an all over body massage did release serotonin as they are reknowned for making you feel wonderfully relaxed.

[stevie21]

Even if you're feeling completely miserable, forcing yourself to smile will effectively force your body to release these feel good chemicals, which in turn will probably make you feel at elast slightly better.
There's no reason, in principle, that a massage couldn't have the same effect.

[slimfandango]

I suppose by that argument, doing something that you think will increase serotonin will probably do so by 'placebo'.

[Peter Pedant]

Oh my god, oxytocinon as an antidepressant!

read all about it: http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/330/7496/879

I couldnt believe it when I saw it.