The science of Massage

The Science of Massage

Remedial massage is not just a treatment for sore muscles; it’s a powerful way to tap into the body’s natural healing mechanisms—right down to the hormonal level. 🌿

When we experience a therapeutic massage, a series of intricate processes unfold within our nervous system, activating the release of key hormones that promote healing, reduce pain, and create a sense of well-being.

The Magic of Endorphins

One of the primary hormones released during a remedial massage is endorphins, often referred to as the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. Endorphins work by interacting with receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. They act as natural painkillers, helping to soothe discomfort and create a sense of calm. This is why, after a massage, you often feel a wave of relaxation and relief wash over you 🌊

But how does this happen? The magic begins with your nerve endings. Throughout your body, especially in your skin and muscles, you have countless sensory nerve endings that detect touch, pressure, and pain. When a massage therapist applies targeted pressure, these nerve endings send signals to the brain through the nervous system, activating a cascade of responses.

One of the most significant of these responses is the release of endorphins from the pituitary gland. This hormonal surge blocks pain signals and induces a feeling of euphoria, similar to the “runner’s high” experienced during intense exercise.

The Role of Oxytocin

Another hormone at play during massage is oxytocin, often called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin is released in response to touch and promotes feelings of connection, relaxation, and trust. As your massage therapist applies gentle, rhythmic pressure, your skin’s nerve endings communicate with the brain, triggering the release of oxytocin. This hormone helps to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and enhance a deep sense of relaxation and emotional well-being.

Serotonin and Dopamine: Uplifting Your Mood

Massage also boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and happiness. Serotonin helps stabilize your mood and creates a feeling of emotional well-being, while dopamine is linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation. By stimulating the nerve endings in your muscles and skin, massage increases the production of both of these neurotransmitters, helping you feel lighter, more relaxed, and even more energized after your treatment 🌀

Calming Cortisol: Stress Relief at the Source

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, and while it’s essential for helping us handle emergency situations, chronic cortisol production can leave us feeling anxious, tired, and worn down. Massage therapy has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels in the body. As the nerve endings respond to therapeutic touch, signals are sent to the brain to slow the production of cortisol, allowing your body to shift from a state of "fight or flight" to one of relaxation and healing ❤️‍🩹

The Nervous System: Your Body’s Pathway to Healing

At the heart of all these hormonal responses is the nervous system —specifically, the balance between the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and digestion).

During a massage, your parasympathetic nervous system is activated, signaling your body to slow down, relax, and restore. This shift not only reduces stress but allows your body to focus on healing and recovery, both physically and mentally.

As your massage therapist applies pressure to specific areas, it stimulates sensory receptors beneath the skin and muscle tissue. These receptors send signals to the brain, which in turn directs the endocrine system to release healing hormones like endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin. This harmonious interaction between touch, nerves, and hormones is what creates the profound healing effects of a massage.

Whether you're seeking relief from physical pain or simply looking to calm your mind, the hormonal shifts that take place during a massage work in harmony to bring you a sense of peace, ease, and wholeness.

By Tarren Hehir, Remedial Massage Therapist

Treating clients in Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Abbotsford, Carlton, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Brunswick, Northcote, Thornbury, Richmond, Kew.