When I read a book written by professor Hajime Yamaguchi in Japan, I knew about his interesting study.
The book published in July 2016 has an English subheading “Good health starts with your skin” and explains about skin, touch, human relationships, relaxation and healing. His research field is oxytocin as well as effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact.
In this study, therapists of Japan Therapeutic Care Association gave 30-minute massage (light stroking <effleurage> and kneading) to the shoulders and backs of persons they never met. There was a control group whose members were just sitting without massage. Oxytocin levels of both groups were measured and the difference was clear. The level of the experimental group (massage receivers and therapists) rose and of the control group decreased. Moreover, some massage receivers had a significant increase, because their therapists had higher oxytocin level than other therapists.
This study shows that massages benefit not only massage receivers but also therapists! I would like to find other similar researches.
Japan Therapeutic Care Association mentions this study in their paper (in English). See the last page.
Oxytocin levels and psychological benefits of touching