If you’ve ever had a massage, you might not know exactly how it works, but you know it works. Massage causes two major physiological changes to occur in your body. Combine these two together and it creates both physical and emotions benefits.
- The relaxation response, which is an involuntary, yet predictable response of the nervous system to massage techniques and touch
- Mechanical responses, which are physical effects that occur in the body when pressure is applied to the soft tissues
The Relaxation Response
During a massage, a caring, safe touch acts as an invitation for your body to relax. This is what generally brings about the relaxation response. The relaxation response is a state in which your body goes into slow-down mode:
- Breathing rate gets slower
- Blood pressure goes down
- Production of stress hormones decreases
- Muscles relax
The relaxation response has a way of increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This is a chemical that affects emotions and thoughts in a positive way. Studies continue to discover just how massage and serotonin levels affect each other, but the reaction is clear. The relaxation response can decrease the physical effects of stress and reduce many stress-related illnesses such as hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and digestive disorders.
The Mechanical Response – Improving Circulation
Physical manipulation during massage has two major effects on the body. First, it increases blood flow and lymph circulation. Second, it relaxes and normalizes soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments), and can release nerves and deeper tissues.
It is believed that this is due in part to the physical manipulation of the soft tissue, and partly due to the chemicals that are released in the brain as part of the relaxation response. Improved circulation helps with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. As your cellular health improves, your tissues will function better. More efficient functioning can help the body rid itself of waste products and reduce the swelling in soft tissues.
The Mechanical Response – Relaxing Tissue
When muscles are contracted, they can compress the nerves around them. When muscles relax, the nerves are no longer compressed, meaning that they can receive the nutrients they need to operate efficiently. This helps the nerves to continue their normal work of transmitting messages to the brain, which can also improve muscle and organ function.
Since they share neurological pain pathways with muscles, bones, and nerves, organs can sometimes reflect distress and dysfunction. For example, menstrual cramps can cause back pain and vice versa. Massage can, therefore, improve symptoms associated with the functioning of both the organ and the muscles.
Applying touch and pressure to the skin during a massage can help reduce painful contractions and spasms that occur within the body as it relaxes some of the deeper tissues. Though the massage therapist might not be able to reach some of the tissues that are deep within, the release of some of the superficial muscle layers can affect them. This leads to better alignment, balance, and overall wellbeing.
