Massage.
Physiology of massageDraft

Relaxation and the parasympathetic response

Slow, rhythmic massage is associated with a shift towards "rest and digest" nervous system activity.

Evidence
limited

Small studies show short-term drops in heart rate and blood pressure after massage. Long-term effects and mechanisms are not well established. Treat this as a likely short-term effect, not a treatment claim.

Effects

  • Lower heart rate and blood pressure during and shortly after massage
  • Slower, deeper breathing
  • Clients report feeling calmer and more relaxed

The autonomic nervous system has two branches: sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”). Slow Effleurage, a warm room and a predictable rhythm are thought to favour the parasympathetic side.

Sources

  1. Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin 130(1):3–18