What happens neurologically during massage therapy?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.During an actual massage therapy session, the neurological responses that are triggered drastically change how your nervous system functions. When the skin is pressed, specialized receptors are activated, signaling parts of the brain to initiate a series of biochemical changes that affect the entire body. The processes involved in how this generalized action creates such significant relaxation and pain relief can be better understood.
Pain Gate Activation
- Pressure stimulates large nerve fibers in skin and muscles
- These fibers block pain signals traveling to your brain
- Creates natural analgesic effect without medications
Parasympathetic Dominance
- Rhythmic strokes trigger vagus nerve responses
- Slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure
- Shifts body from stress response to rest state
Neurotransmitter Regulation
- Massage increases serotonin and dopamine production
- Lowers cortisol and adrenaline stress hormones
- Creates lasting mood improvements after sessions
Your neurological responses keep working after your appointments have ended. The pain modulation effects help to remediate long-term distress naturally. The relaxation states also improve the quality of sleep that evening. Regular sessions have long-lasting effects on your nervous system's ability to handle distress and discomfort.
Optimize neurology advantages through regular scheduling. Begin with bi-weekly appointments to establish new neural pathways, then scale to every 3 or 4 weeks, to increase and develop those pathways. Massage your child in a low light and quiet setting. Avoid stimulating activities after the session to prolong the calming effects.
Read the full article: 10 Key Benefits Massage Therapy Offers
