Massage and the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Why It Feels So Good

That deep sense of calm you feel after a massage? You can thank your parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your autonomic nervous system responsible for rest, repair, and relaxation.

While its counterpart, the sympathetic nervous system, triggers the "fight or flight" response during stress, the parasympathetic system helps your body slow down. It lowers your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, supports digestion, and encourages deep, restful breathing.

Massage activates this system by calming the nervous system through rhythmic touch, gentle pressure, and a quiet, safe environment. As the parasympathetic response takes over, your body moves into a healing state: muscles soften, stress hormones drop, and your overall sense of well-being improves.

In short, massage isn't just relaxing — it's a powerful way to support your nervous system and help your body restore balance.