Moderate vs Light Pressure in Massage Therapy

There have been various studies done on the issue of moderate vs. light pressure in massage therapy, and many have concluded that moderate pressure has a much more significant effect on the subject
than light pressure. One study by Miami, Florida’s Touch Research
Institute, which has provided a great deal of the current knowledge
about the physiological and psychological effects of massage therapy,
focused on adult EEGs and heart rate. The findings of this study found
that when it comes to moderate vs. light pressure in massage therapy,
moderate pressure is more effective than light.

One of the doctors involved with this study, Tiffany Field PhD, said that light pressure is experienced liked a tickle stimulus, whereas moderate pressure actually influences the flow of positive psychological
change in the human body. She said that the findings of the study led
them to the conclusion that moderate pressure is interpreted by the
central nervous system differently and provides more long-term benefits.

When investigating moderate vs. light pressure in massage therapy, the Touch Research Institute also studied the effects of mechanical vibratory massage, utilizing EEG, electrocardiogram readings and self
reporting of study subjects. They found that a decrease in faster alpha
and beta waves coupled with an increase in the slower delta waves led to
an increase in alertness and relaxation. Although all study subjects
reported a reduction in anxiety and stress with the application of
massage, it was most pronounced when moderate pressure was used in the
massage.