far-infrared and steam exposure associated with lower cortisol levels
Reduced cortisol levels and stress response
What this means for you
Cortisol is your body's primary stress hormone — and chronically elevated levels are linked to poor sleep, weight gain, low energy, and burnout. When cortisol comes down, most people notice they feel calmer, sleep more deeply, and recover from daily stress more easily.
The published research
Through Massage to the Brain—Neuronal and Neuroplastic Mechanisms of Massage Based on Various Neuroimaging Techniques (EEG, fMRI, and fNIRS)
Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2026
The review explicitly documents reduced cortisol and stress response as established findings of massage, noting that moderate-pressure massage produces 'increased vagal activity, lower heart rate, and reduced cortisol, consistent with stress- and emotion regulation,' and that repeated programs show 'attenuation of acute EEG/cortisol responses yet improvements in stress.' EEG findings (increased al
This page describes a documented finding about the underlying wellness technology. It is not a marketing claim about any specific device. For information about HOCATT specifically, visit hocatt.com.