Snap, crackle, and pop? The science (and sounds) of relaxation.

(This post was inspired by new clients who apologize for gurgly, gassy, or otherwise "odd" sounds their bodies make while they're on the table.)

These body functions are normal during a massage:

• snore
• drool
• pass gas (yep! burps and farts are normal)
• talk (or don't talk)
• snap, crackle, and pop

Here are two simple (yet scientific) explanations for those noises:

1: Our brain tells our bodies that it's okay to relax during a massage. 

• The safe, quiet environment of a massage room often triggers our bodies to do whatever it is that we usually do when we're relaxing. That's why some people drool while other people talk. 
• Within the first few minutes of a massage, our brains send chemical "messages" called neurotransmitters to the rest of our bodies. The main neurotransmitter responsible for calming us down is called acetylcholine (ACh). 
• ACh slows down a client's heart rate, promotes digestion, and triggers a release of more neurotransmitters to increase the body's relaxation response. Our brains send ACh to our bodies throughout the massage, so sometimes we experience a strong relaxation response... sleep!

2: Massage is the movement and manipulation of soft tissues.

• Muscles hold our bones in place and adapt to our habits. This isn't always a bad thing. It helps us build strength between workouts! On the other hand, a bad habit like using poor body mechanics can cause your bones to shift out of proper alignment.
• Example of soft tissue moving bones: I played a brass instrument for ten years. Over time, I noticed one shoulder was slightly lower from carrying my horn everywhere!
• Massage can help relax muscles that have become tight bands and knots ("adhesions"). A loosened adhesion creates something of a ripple effect.
• The ripple effect can start in just one muscle and continue moving until it effects an entire joint. Pop!

Stay tuned for part two, where I talk about two more transmitters (serotonin and dopamine) as well as the stress hormone cortisol.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com