🧠 What Research Says About Massage for Sensory Regulation Massage therapy — when gentle and rhythmic — can reduce tactile sensitivity and improve sensory processing, including helping with stress and calming behavior in children. Massage may also help lower stress hormones like cortisol, promoting relaxation and better regulation of sensory responses. Using oils or creams during a massage makes the experience more comfortable, helps smooth hand movements, and can include aromatherapy scents tha