Relaxation Response: Deep tissue massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the relaxation response. This shift from the fight-or-flight mode to a state of calm and relaxation allows the body to release emotional tension and find balance.
As the body relaxes and “lets go” physically, a corresponding emotional release can also occur. An emotional release varies from person to person. Some people may experience intense emotions along with tears, shaking, sobbing, or even laughter.
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.
Both during and after a massage you might feel any number of emotions. As the body relaxes, it is normal for the body to also release the emotional baggage we are holding on to. While you might feel elated, refreshed or energised, there may be times when you feel a need to cry. This is okay, and it's even normal.
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
Techniques like deep tissue massage reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, a common cause of post-exercise pain. By expelling lactic acid and other metabolic wastes, massage not only relieves pain but also helps to restore muscle integrity and enhance performance.
Treating trigger points requires seeing a massage therapist. So, how does a trigger point massage work? While there is no single type of massage labeled a “trigger point massage,” massage therapists can use a number of different techniques to loosen these knots, including myofascial release and deep tissue massage.
The following are research-backed facts about crying: Tears can help release pent-up emotions, providing a sense of relief and calm. Crying can be a way to signal to others that you're going through a tough time and might need help.
As tension is released from the muscles, emotions that have been stored within the body may also come to the surface. This emotional release can sometimes trigger feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety which may contribute to feeling unwell after a session.
Grief massage helps a person heal by allowing them to shift out of the stress response and into the relaxation response. Following a major loss, grieving individuals often find it very difficult to relax on their own. Here's where a massage therapist can help. Massage Helps People Cope with the Loss of a Loved One.
Massage and bodywork can also be effective in releasing trauma from the hips. Deep tissue massage can help release tension and emotions stored in the muscles and connective tissues of the hips. Bodywork techniques, such as myofascial release, can also be effective in releasing tension and improving mobility.
Massage and Emotional Release: It's Totally Normal! When you think of massage, common assumptions would be that it's relaxing, peaceful and restful. And these are all true, but there are other emotional releases you might experience - and they're totally normal.
Release of endorphins
One of the main reasons why massages feel so good is because they help to release endorphins, which are our body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.
Somatic massages help you release trauma in your body by working with the nervous system. When you receive a somatic massage, the therapist will work to release any patterns of tension that may be stored in your body. This can help to break down any barriers that have been preventing you from processing trauma.
There are a variety of ways to release trapped emotions: acupuncture, journaling, talk therapy or even exercise. But the most reliable method I know of is SomatoEmotional Release (SER), an approach I developed along with biophysicist Zvi Karni at MSU.
During a massage, the muscles and tissues experience an emotional release just as they experience a release of physical tension. This emotional release can manifest in several ways: a sigh, laughter, muscle twitching, or even tears. These emotional responses are common during massage therapy.
Signs your body is releasing trauma can sometimes be subtle or surprising, but recognizing them is key for moving forward in your healing journey. Here are some signs to look for: Sudden emotional outbursts such as crying or laughter. Changes in physical health, like reduced muscle tension or headaches.
Trauma is not physically held in the muscles or bones — instead, the need to protect oneself from perceived threats is stored in the memory and emotional centers of the brain, such as the hippocampus and amygdala. This activates the body whenever a situation reminds the person of the traumatic event(s).
Neck Tension = Fear and Repressed Self-Expression
Fear and anxiety are also frequently stored in this area, particularly as a physical response to danger (as the neck is a vulnerable area) or strange environments. Neck muscle tension is also related to trust issues.
Deep tissue massage can help to alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve posture. It is also used to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, deep tissue massage helps to reduce tension and pain.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.