If you come in for a massage, and are feeling stressed and anxious, this means the sympathetic nervous system may be more active. This would result in higher heart rate, a suppressed immune system, high cortisol, which can make pain worse by increasing inflammation and muscle tension. As the massage progresses, it is slowing the heart rate, which lowers the blood pressure, decreases the cortisol levels, therefore, reducing strain on the heart. This will then reduce stress levels, allowing you to be calm, and reduces the tension in your muscles.

This connection between the SNS and the PSNS during a massage will help restore balance in the autonomic nervous system.

the nervous systems

you, your nervous system & massage

The Central Nervous System is composed of masses of nerve cells and their processes, its key functions are to receive sensory information, process the information it receives and respond either through movement, thought, or emotion. It includes the brain, brain stem, and the spinal cord.

The Peripheral Nervous System is the body’s link to the outside world. It’s where the nerves branch off from the brain and spinal cord. It sends information from all parts of the body back to the brain and spinal cord, and also sends out commands to your body.

The Autonomic Nervous System also known as involuntary nervous system, controls the function of the body that are carried out automatically, including the heart rate, respiration, digestion, and pupil contraction.

Parasympathetic Nervous System which promotes relaxation, digestion, and recovery. This can be achieved by counteracting the SNS.

The Somatic Nervous System which carries the sensory information from sensory organs to the CNS and then relays the motor commands to muscles, controls voluntary movements.

The Sympathetic Nervous System which prepares the body for action; controls fight or flight, heartbeat, blood pressure.

The Enteric Nervous System which functions are to determine the movements of the GI tract, regulate gastric acid secretion, changes in local blood flow and gut hormone release, and the gut immune system.