The 'bonding hormone' released through conscious human touch.
Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter often called the 'bonding hormone' or 'love hormone.' It's released during physical touch, promoting feelings of trust, connection, and emotional safety. Professional bodywork, through sustained, mindful physical contact, triggers significant oxytocin release — contributing to the emotional well-being and sense of connection that clients experience.
Knowing what oxytocin 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.