What does massage do to the brain?

Author: Eve Paucek  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

As we mentioned earlier, massage therapy elicits the production of a variety of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are associated with joy, enthusiasm, improved focus, as well as, lessened irritability.

What happens to your brain when you get a massage?

Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.

What are the neurological effects of massage?

Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine through stimulating the autonomic nervous system. An increase in the levels of endorphins can leave the individual feeling a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation and calmness. Massage can reduce feelings of stress.

What massage is good for the brain?

Regular head massages improve blood circulation to the brain, enhance cognitive functions like memory and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote both hair health and brain relaxation. Techniques include using warm oil and massaging the temples, scalp, and neck for 10-15 minutes weekly.

What chemical is released when you get a massage?

Increased endorphins, serotonin and dopamine hormones is a common benefit gained through massage. Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are positive hormones that circulate around the body.

The Biological Benefits of Frequent Massage

Why is my pee dark after a massage?

Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.

Does massage release trauma from the body?

Many people think that because massage is a natural therapy that it can't do any harm, but this is a classic example of where it absolutely can. Many therapists believe that by relieving muscle tension with a deep tissue massage, they will release emotions and therefore help to heal trauma.

Can massage help brain trauma?

Massage therapy can be used in cases of brain injury. Some people have a mismatch of signals of the nerves between the brain and the body, and there are symptoms, like muscle stiffness, contractures, and muscle pain.

What is the best stimulation for the brain?

Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses, try "mental gymnastics," such as word puzzles or math problems Experiment with things that require manual dexterity as well as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.

Does massage reset the nervous system?

One of the ways in which massage can help, is by restoring the balance between the complementary parts of your nervous system. This is especially important within the autonomic nervous system, which monitors and regulates situations of high anxiety as well as rest and recovery.

What body system are most affected by massage?

Massage stimulates receptors that transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system, and this in turn causes the reduction in tension in muscles and the feeling of relaxation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension.

Why do I feel weird after a massage?

It helps to destress and relax you; this in turn may make you feel tired. This is your time to recover your mind and body and it is your body's time to rebalance itself and retune. Sometimes, if you have been experiencing lots of stress, you may feel emotional or teary after the massage.

What happens if you massage your head too much?

Overstimulation. The scalp massages can give incredible relaxation, but there is always a risk of overstimulating the scalp issues. Too much pressure or rubbing can cause discomfort and pain. Individuals with sensitive scalp or medical conditions may find scalp massages irritating, then beneficial.

What happens inside your body after a massage?

When a massage therapist works on your muscles, there is more happening beneath the surface than just the easing of tension. The physical manipulation of body tissues increases blood flow and lymph circulation, which in turn helps flush out toxins from the body tissues and assists in cleansing the circulatory system.

Are massages good or bad for you?

Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.

How can I activate 100% of my brain?

Here are 10 tips for improving your brain function:
  1. Keep learning. ...
  2. Grab a good book. ...
  3. Get a good night's rest. ...
  4. Spend your free time wisely. ...
  5. Practice positive affirmations. ...
  6. Build an exercise routine. ...
  7. Stay active socially. ...
  8. Be creative.

How to shift an aging brain in reverse?

Though reversing the aging process is currently impossible, taking care of your physical health can help slow the process. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in red meat and sugar, can nourish your brain and enhance your prospects for a healthier life.

What stimulates the brain the most?

Much research has found that creative outlets like painting and other art forms, learning an instrument, doing expressive or autobiographical writing, and learning a language also can improve cognitive function.

What happens to the brain after a massage?

When your body is being massaged, it triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain. One such chemical is oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, relaxation, and bonding. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being.

Can trauma be released through massage?

Holistic Healing Trauma massage therapy addresses both physical and emotional aspects of trauma. By working through physical tension, it often leads to emotional release, promoting comprehensive healing. Reduces Physical Pain Many trauma survivors experience chronic pain.

How do you rebuild your brain after trauma?

Exercise and movement can also be helpful in rewiring the brain after trauma. Exercise has been shown to increase the production of endorphins, which can help reduce anxiety and depression. Movement-based therapies like yoga and dance can also be helpful in reducing symptoms of trauma and improving mental health.

Why did I cry after my massage?

Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.

What energy is stored in the hip?

The hips serve as a storage facility for emotional tension, stress, and trauma. Due to our sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and emotional suppression, many individuals accumulate tension in the hip region. The hip muscles, particularly the psoas muscle, are notorious for harboring emotional stress.

How to remove stored trauma from body?

With the right support, healing is possible. Therapies that connect the body and mind — like cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — can help you process trauma held in your body.

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