Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

What hormone increases focused attention following a massage?

1. Cortisol

2. Epinephrine

3. Oxytocin

4. Dopamine

The correct answer is: Dopamine

Dopamine is known as a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain's reward system and is crucial for regulating attention and focus. Following a massage, the body can experience an increase in dopamine levels. This rise in dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and improved mood, which can enhance focused attention. The experience of relaxation, combined with the physical touch involved in massage, can stimulate the release of dopamine, leading to improved concentration and cognitive function. Cortisol, while important for stress regulation, tends to increase during periods of stress rather than decrease focus. Epinephrine is associated with the body's fight-or-flight response and can heighten arousal, but it's not directly tied to increasing focused attention in the context of a relaxing massage. Oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone,' primarily promotes bonding and social connections rather than directly increasing focused attention. Therefore, dopamine is the hormone that is most closely associated with enhancing concentration after a massage.