Relaxing
/rɪˈlaksɪŋ/
adjective : reducing tension or anxiety.
Massage
/ˈmasɑː(d)ʒ/
noun the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain. “massage can ease tiredness“.
As a massage therapist I am always reminding you that it’s good to have a massage, it’s relaxing, recharging and refreshing we do know this, but why is that so? We know our bodies are pretty amazing and we put them through a lot, but by taking an hour or so to relax, we can change the way we feel, move and sleep, why does our body react to a wellbeing massage as they do and why do we feel so relaxed and I quote “feel like I am floating on a cloud”?
A wellbeing, relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle treatment that relieves muscular tension, increases circulation, and promotes a general sense of relaxation.
Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. These biochemical changes contribute to the overall sense of relaxation and stress reduction.
As soon as your skin’s nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release one of our feel-good chemicals the endorphins, which boost our mood and gives a natural high, they are natural painkillers and mood enhancers produced by our bodies.
Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to alleviate pain and elevate mood.
When you have aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.
Just by having a one-hour massage, cortisol lowers in your body whilst also releasing serotonin. This hormone neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy chemical” because it reduces feelings of depression and carries signals between nerves and the body.
We also release another feel-good chemicals in the brain., which is oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, relaxation, and bonding.
It helps reduce stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being. Therefore the release of oxytocin during a massage contributes to that blissful state of relaxation you may experience.
Relieving tense muscles and reducing physical symptoms of stress can help calm the body and improve mood. Massage triggers the body to release these hormones that encourage relaxation and the Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine decrease the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline which begin the overall effect of euphoria and bliss, leading to a further relaxed state.
Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine reduction is important as studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones can impair the immune system.
What happens to your brain during a massage?
Because of the ‘Release of these Feel-Good Chemicals’ in turn they help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being.
The release of oxytocin during a massage contributes to that blissful state of relaxation you experience. When your brain is bathed in the positive effects of a massage, it can significantly improve mood and emotional well-being.
And once again, the massage is releasing endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters creating a sense of euphoria and happiness.
Additionally, massage can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting a sense of calm and reducing the production of stress-related neurotransmitters.
The start of Relaxation has never felt so good, the way our minds drift as we breathe in deeply, and slowly.
During your massage, the “Relaxation Response” will activate, this means your brain quiets and there is the feeling of calm, peace and floating feeling (for some) This response triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and promotes deep relaxation.
My most popular Massage remains to be my Indian Head Massage so, why does a head massage feel so good?
It stimulates nerves, your blood vessels underneath your scalp. it calms the muscle tension around your head. and stimulating all those small muscles. under your scalp helps stimulate the brain. along with those neurotransmitters. so when you can get that massage to your head, your body will love you.
What hormone is released during a head massage?
It is said, that a scalp massage helps release oxytocin, a hormone that is related to a happy and relaxed feeling. It also helps combat the production of the stress hormone. A scalp massage also helps regulate the heart rate and blood pressure.
Added to this your face is lovingly cared for as well, this is one of the most important factors in my massage therapies – I will always encourage you to try a face massage as it has so many relaxing and tension relieving benefits.
It’s just as important to release chronic tension in your facial muscles, because doing so will reduce stress and improve emotional flexibility, and can prevent headaches and TMJ pain as well.
What happens to the brain after a massage?
Enhanced Blood Flow and Oxygenation. By applying gentle pressure and strokes, it helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow. This increased circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the brain, promoting optimal functioning and overall cognitive health.
Beyond the physiological responses, there is something deeply profound about the power of touch and human connection during a massage. Our brains are wired to crave social interaction and physical touch, essential for our overall well-being.
During a massage, the nurturing touch of hands can evoke a sense of safety, trust, and comfort, releasing any tension or emotional blockages held within.
However, benefits of a massage go beyond just physical relaxation. The profound impact it has on the brain is absolutely remarkable. From the release of feel-good chemicals and decreased stress hormones to enhanced blood flow and activation of the relaxation response, your brain undergoes a transformative experience during your massage.
Relaxation massage relaxes our brains and bodies and provides relief from stress and the feeling of calm, which can help us fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply and be less disturbed during sleep.
I see clients arrive in pain, with busy minds – on the go feeling like they are on the clock 24 hours a day, worrying about work, children, money and the grind of daily life, grieving for a loved one which also goes hand in hand with stress, and not really feeling able to relax because it’s not something that comes naturally when we are grieving.
I know the exact moment a client goes into the Relaxation Response and that is why I don’t only love what I do (I do find it hard to use the word job!) but the passion I feel for helping clients with maybe just one of those issues listed, is why I do what I do.
Our bodies are something incredible and special, allowing me to help you look after yours and bring that state of relaxation that is needed into peoples lives – that is my fullfilment, here’s to 2025 and bringing relaxation and less aches and pains to you.
When you book a wellbeing massage, know that you’re not only looking after your body but also nourishing your brain and nurturing your overall well-being.
Please use the QR code to read After Care.
La finalité de mon activité est uniquement le bien-être de la personne. Conformément à la législation en vigueur, les massages bien-être que je pratique en l’absence de diagnostic et de traitement thérapeutique, ne s’apparentent en rien, ni dans les contenus ni dans les objectifs, à la pratique de la masso-kinésithérapie, ainsi qu’à toute pratique médicale ou thérapeutique. Il s’agit de techniques manuelles de bien-être et de relaxation uniquement
