How self-massage improves your health
Your Immune System
Science: When humans are stressed, cortisol is released and the immune system is temporarily disabled. This reaction to stress is part of an emergency response system that shuts down functions not crucial for survival.
History: This system was designed by evolution over hundreds of thousands of years. On the rare occassions when our prehistoric ancestors were attacked by a wild beast, this stress system kicked in and their immune systems were disabled for a short time.
Today: Humans are now stressed around the clock and cortisol regularly shuts down our immune systems. Yours may be off right now.
Action: Moderate and deep pressure massage stimulates pressure receptors under your skin, which signals your body to stop producing the stress hormone cortisol.
Reaction: When cortisol levels drop, your immune system turns back on to protect you from disease.Your immune system defends you from harmful viruses, bacterias, and cancers. The stronger your immune system the healthier you’re likely to be.
Change the way your feel
Your Vagus Nerve
Science: The vagus nerve is a long cranial nerve that extends from the brain stem through pretty much the entire human body. It touches the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. When stimulated it allows the body to rest and digest.
Action: Applying moderate pressure massage stimulates pressure receptors under your skin, activating your vagus nerve.
Reaction: A stimulated vagus nerve gives you a feeling of calm. Your heart rate and breath slow, your blood pressure drops, and cortisol levels sink. When cortisol levels drop, your immune system powers up to fight disease and produce good health.
How self-massage makes you happy
Your Neurotransmitters & Hormones
Action: When people use their hands to apply medium pressure to their bodies, the pressure receptors under the skin send signals to their brain to release serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Reaction: These neurotransmitters make human beings feel better, relieve their pain, and give them a sense of well being that’s mistaken for true happiness.
No matter how good you feel you can always feel better.
Your Serotonin
Science: Serotonin is produced in the Raphe nuclei located in the brainstem.
Action: Massage releases serotonin in your brain which causes a chemical reaction.
Reaction: Serotonin is called the happy chemical for a reason. When released in your brain, serotonin acts as a powerful pain-reliever and antidepressant.
Your Oxytocin
Science: Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland.
Action: Massage releases oxytocin in your brain.
Reaction: Oxytocin is called the cuddle hormone because it’s responsible for those warm, fuzzy feelings that come with being around those you love. It produces a feeling of well-being, devotion, and bonding.
Your Dopamine
Science: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in several regions of the brain and released by the hypothalamus. Dopamine is a complex chemical with many jobs.
Action: Massage releases dopamine in your brain.
Reaction: In addition to a calming effect, dopamine foreshadows something pleasant coming your way. Its message is delivered by a signal that may be more pleasing than the thing it portends. So paradoxically, dopamine is often more pleasurable than pleasure itself.
Self care that’s real healthcare
Your Endorphins
Science: Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in the pituitary gland. Generally they are released when a person is stressed or in pain.
Action: Deep pressure massage releases endorphins.
Reaction: Endogenous morphine interacts with the opiate receptors in your brain to reduce your ability to feel pain. The swift relief of pain is often experienced as pleasure.
3 Ways Self-Massage Relieves Your Pain
Gate Control Theory of Pain
Science: Pain receptors and pressure receptors cohabitate under your skin. Both types of receptors send signals to the brain. Physical pain is felt when unblocked pain waves are received by your brain.
Action: Massage activates thousands of pressure receptors under your skin.
Reaction: Pressure signals block pain waves to let you feel better fast.
Serotonin & Endorphins Relieve Pain
Science: Serotonin and endogenous morphine are produced in the brain.
Action: Deep pressure massage signals your brain to release them.
Reaction: Endorphins and serotonin are powerful pain-relievers and antidepressants that kick in to reduce your pain and suffering.
A feel good potion delivered by your fingertips
Substance P
Science: Substance P is a chemical produced by the human body. It’s found in your central nervous system and increases your awareness of pain.
Action: Massage inhibits the release of substance P in your body.
Reaction: The less substance P in your system the less pain you feel.
How Self-Massage Relieves Your Muscle Pain
Science: Massage reduces inflammation and is clinically beneficial when administered to skeletal muscles that have been damaged through physical exercise.
Action: Apply medium pressure massage to sore muscles after you workout.
Reaction: Your muscles will feel better and you’re likely to recover more quickly.