While you can't massage away fat, the researchers at the University of Miami found that a good massage increased your brain's ability to focus by 50%. Brains and beauty seem to go together with a massage because besides increasing your focus it also halts the output of the stress hormone cortisol which triggers fat retention. Can't squeeze a massage into a busy life? No problem. According to Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, associate professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Connecticut Medical School, you need a 15 minute self massage of the scalp, neck, and hands to get the same cortisol reducing results. Your spouse wants you to lose weight? Tell them to start rubbing!Leave this field empty