What Happen to Your Body During a Massage?

tujane0915
May 27
3 min read

A look beneath the Surface of Relaxation

Massage is often associated with comfort and relaxation — but beneath the surface, there may be more happening than we realise.

Introduction

Massage is one of the oldest known healing practice, and today it's widely used for both therapeutic and wellness purposes. While most people are familiar with how a massage feels, fewer may know what's actually taking place within the body and nervous system during a session.

This article explores some of the physiological and psychological effects massage can have - and why many people report feeling calmer, looser, and more balanced afterward.

The Brain’s Response to Touch

Massage may influence the nervous system by encouraging a shift from a stressed state (often called “fight or flight”) to a more relaxed one (“rest and digest”). This shift can help reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

At the same time, some studies suggest massage may help increase serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation, pleasure, and feelings of connection.

While individual responses can vary, this shift in brain chemistry may explain why massage is often experienced as mentally calming or emotionally grounding.

Circulation and Cardiovascular Benefits

Massage can also affect the cardiovascular system. The physical manipulation of soft tissue may help increase blood flow, supporting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.

Some forms of massage - particularly those involving slow, rhythmic strokes - may contribute to lowering heart rate and blood pressure. These effects tends to be more noticeable with regular treatment.

Muscle and Tissue Response

Massage therapy is commonly used to address muscle tension, soreness, and restricted movement. Techniques such as pressure, kneading, friction, stroking and vibration can help soften muscle fibres and mobilise fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles.

Massage may help:

Ease areas of tightness or "knots"
Improve flexibility and range of motion
Support postural alignment over time
Improve skin tone

However, the effectiveness can depend on factors like the type of massage, the frequency of sessions, and the individual's physical condition.

Ancient Perspectives: Hippocrates on Touch

The therapeutic value of touch has been acknowledged for centuries. Hippocrates, often called the Father of Medicine, wrote:

“A physician must be experienced in many things but assuredly in rubbing… Rubbing can bind or loosen; can make flesh or cause parts to waste. Hard rubbing binds, soft rubbing loosens.”

This reflects an early understanding that the intention, pressure, and rhythm of touch can produce very different effects. For example:

Fast, brisk movement may stimulate or invigorate
Slow, gentle movement may promote relaxation
Deep, focused pressure can help address chronic tension

Modern massage therapy continues to build on this nuanced understanding - adjusting technique based on the body's needs in the moment.

Breath and Relaxation

Massage often encourages deeper, slower breathing. This may not only help enhance relaxation, but also support the flow of oxygen to tissues and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.

For some, this change in breathing becomes a key part of how massage improves overall wellbeing — especially when combined with mindfulness or breath awareness.

Lymphatic Support and Detoxification

Massage may also assist with lymphatic drainage, which supports the body’s natural process of removing waste and toxins. While more research is needed in this area, some types of massage, such as manual lymphatic drainage, are specifically designed to enhance this function.

A Moment of Mental Stillness

Beyond physical relief, many people describe massage as mentally restorative. The stillness and quiet attention to the body can create space for:

Mental clarity
Emotional processing
Or simply a pause in an otherwise busy day

In a culture that often values productivity over rest, massage offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with one’s own body.

In Summary

Massage appears to offer a range of potential benefits — from physical relaxation and improved circulation, to nervous system regulation and mental stillness. While individual experiences can vary, what remains consistent is the deep connection between touch, awareness, and wellbeing.

Whether you're receiving massage for recovery, stress relief, or simply to rest, it's worth recognising the complexity of what might be unfolding beneath the surface.