The Impact of Massage on Nervous System Function

Your nervous system doesn’t lie. It’s always on top of everything happening in your body. Your nerves send messages to the brain through the spinal cord, and then the brain sends that information to different body parts, making your body react accordingly.

In simple terms, getting a massage stimulates the body. This stimulation causes the release of specific hormones, which are crucial for several body functions. These hormones aren’t typically released unless they’re triggered.

It’s essential to remember that only a skilled therapist should give you a massage, such as those from My Home Therapy. A poorly administered massage can be harmful.

Back to the hormone talk. Here are some key hormones released during a massage:

1. **Serotonin** – Often called the “happy hormone,” serotonin is responsible for your good moods, like happiness and joy. Low levels of serotonin can make you feel sad. A massage can increase serotonin levels, uplifting your mood and making you feel joyful and inspired.

2. **Cortisol** – Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is associated with feelings of danger and stress. High levels of cortisol can lead to increased stress. Regular massages can help lower cortisol levels, helping you manage stress better.

3. **Endorphins** – These hormones act as natural painkillers. A massage can boost the production of endorphins, which is why you often feel less pain afterward.

4. **Dopamine** – Dubbed the “calming hormone,” dopamine helps regulate your mood and keep you calm. Low dopamine levels can lead to depression and other mood disorders. Regular massages can increase dopamine levels, making you feel more relaxed and at ease.

There are also massage techniques involving heat. However, it’s important to use heat appropriately. Excessive heat can damage the sensitive nerves in the nervous system, possibly leading to a loss of sensation.

In summary, massage directly impacts the nervous system by triggering hormone production. These hormones help improve mood, relieve stress, reduce discomfort, and decrease anxiety. So, regular massages can be a great way to maintain emotional and physical well-being.