Three types of commonly used massage therapy techniques were assessed in a sample of 36 healthy adults randomly assigned to: (i) moderate massage, (ii) light massage or (iii) vibratory stimulation group (n = 12 per group). Changes in anxiety and stress were assessed, and EEG and EKG were recorded. Anxiety scores decreased for all groups, but the moderate pressure massage group reported the greatest decrease in stress. The moderate massage group also experienced a decrease in heart rate and EEG changes, including an increase in delta and a decrease in alpha and beta activity, suggesting a relaxation response. Finally, this group showed an increased positive effect, as indicated by a shift towards left frontal EEG activation. The light massage group showed increased arousal, as indicated by decreased delta and increased beta activity and increased heart rate. The vibratory stimulation group also showed increased arousal, as indicated by increased heart rate and increased theta, alpha and beta activity.