Natural pain-relieving chemicals released during bodywork.
Endorphins are peptides produced by the central nervous system that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and creating feelings of well-being. Massage therapy stimulates endorphin release, which contributes to the pain relief and euphoric sensation many clients experience during and after sessions.
Knowing what endorphins means makes it easier to talk with a masseur before the session starts. Mention it during the intake conversation if it matters to you — a professional male massage therapist will explain how it fits the modality you booked, adjust pressure or positioning around it, and tell you honestly when a different approach suits your body better. You will find the same vocabulary used across our massage service pages, our wellness guides, and the NYC neighborhood pages, so the terms you learn here carry over to booking a real session.