Massage doesn’t just relax tense muscles—it speaks directly to the brain. Scientific research, including many studies at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute, has revealed that touch has a profound impact on our nervous and emotional systems.
When we receive a massage, sensory receptors in the skin send signals to the brain. This stimulates the activity of the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion. Activating the vagus nerve can induce a state of calm and relaxation, reducing the body’s stress response and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Massage also influences the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to improved mood and reduced pain. Studies have shown that massage can lower cortisol levels—the body’s main stress hormone—and increase the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which fosters social bonding and trust.
In short, massage is a silent conversation between body and mind. By understanding how touch affects the brain, we can better harness its benefits to enhance our physical and emotional health. The skilled massage therapists at Healing Hands are standing by to provide you with top-rated massages that will not only help to relax your muscles but also your nervous system.
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