The science of massage
You probably arrived on this page by chance, you just wanted to find out more or book a relaxing massage, but after reading something about Science and Research, you must have become curious and thought you'd like to understand more, right?
I'm about to explain just a few of the most important benefits you can gain from stimulating your body through massage, even any kind of massage, as long as it's done properly! To do so, I'll need to use some anatomical and scientific terms that you may not be familiar with, but if you're curious, you can request an appointment for further explanation or send us an email with your questions.
Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System
As you may know, the primary function of a massage is to relax muscle tension – that's where it all starts!
Our body is controlled by a branch of the Nervous System called the Autonomic Nervous System, which allows us to alternate between wakefulness and sleep. When we are stressed, this system becomes overactive, intensifying all the functions typical of wakefulness (Sympathetic Nervous System): muscle tension, brain activity, accelerated heart rate, and anxiety. If stress persists over time, this condition can become more "chronic," making it difficult for us to relax and activate the typical functions of rest and sleep (Parasympathetic Nervous System). A good massage, by relaxing tension and reactivating the sense of containment and security through gentle skin stimulation, promotes a decrease in the effects of the Sympathetic Nervous System, reactivating the Parasympathetic Nervous System and reducing stress. People who regularly receive massages have better functioning of the Autonomic Nervous System.
Cortisol and Dopamine
A good massage promotes the lowering of cortisol, which is the stress hormone, and the release of dopamine, a chemical substance that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and other areas of the nervous system. Dopamine is often called "the pleasure molecule" because it is involved in controlling pleasure, reward, motivation, and even movement.
It works as part of the brain's reward system, influencing the way we experience positive and gratifying emotions.
Dopamine and cortisol are "inversely proportional": an increase in cortisol almost always decreases the release of dopamine, and vice versa. This is why regular stimulation of the body through a good massage practice is so important, as it promotes relaxation and the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering a good balance between cortisol and dopamine.
Intero and Proprioception
Another important benefit that comes from the rebalancing of the Autonomic Nervous System is the improvement of proprioception and interoception. When we are very stressed, our body primarily operates in exteroception, meaning we mainly rely on external senses such as sight, hearing, smell, etc. This is an ancient response of our body, which associates stress with a potential danger and thus activates all the necessary functions to deal with it.
Thanks to the reduction of tensions and the relaxation produced by a good massage, we can begin to better utilize proprioception and interoception, which are the two sensory systems that allow us to feel better within ourselves and better perceive the position of our body in space.
