Researchers have found that massage therapy can reduce stress and anxiety and increase our sense of happiness. The happy chemical that is triggered by massage is the neurotransmitter serotonin. It makes you feel good! This article will explain exactly how you can trigger the release of serotonin with a Swedish massage.
What Is The Happy Chemical, Serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. That means it’s a chemical that passes along information from one neuron to another. It influences various psychological functions, including mood, anxiety, appetite, cravings, impulse control, sleep, and dreaming, as well as social behavior like empathy and trust. Serotonin is often associated with feeling happy. There is also research that links serotonin to anxiety and depression. With that in mind, it’s important to understand the power of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin, and how they can affect your mood and overall health.
How Does Swedish Massage Help Trigger The Release Of Happy Chemicals?
Three main components help trigger the release of happy chemicals with a Swedish massage.
- The first is the gentle, flowing movements that are used in Swedish massage. These movements have a calming effect on the nervous system. They help to reduce anxiety and induce feelings of relaxation through the release of serotonin.
- The second is the use of pressure during the massage. Not all massage oils are created equal. Many of them are thick and slippery and may feel nice at first, but they’re too thick for deep tissue massage.
- The third is using certain essential oils with a high concentration of caryophyllene and limonene. These essential oils are natural mood enhancers.
5 Steps To Trigger The Release
Swedish massage can be a truly therapeutic experience when done correctly. When done correctly, it helps to relax the entire body and reset the nervous system. When this happens, there is a higher chance that you will feel happier, more relaxed, and less stressed. Here are five steps to trigger the release of serotonin with a Swedish massage:
- Warm Up
Make sure to warm your partner’s muscles slowly before beginning the massage. This can be done by using your fingers or a heating pad. Make sure you don’t get the pad too hot. You can also have your partner walk around the house or outside for a few minutes beforehand.
- Create A Calm Environment
Make sure your room is as quiet and dark as possible. Create a calm environment by turning off phones, creating a candle-lit atmosphere, and listening to relaxing, ambient music. If you are doing the massage, you should also try to calm your mind.
- Break Up Tension With Your Fingers
Before beginning the massage, break up any tension in your partner’s muscles with your fingers. This could be along the spine, in their legs, or even their face.
- Break Up Adhesions With Your Fingers
Adhesions are like scar tissue that has formed in the muscles. It holds them together and can be very painful when broken up. Be gentle when working on the adhesions around your partner’s muscles. It may be helpful to have them take a couple of deep breaths before you begin working on the adhesions.
- Do A Full-Body Massage
Once the adhesions are broken up, work your way down the entire body. Focus on the muscles and try to apply steady pressure. Make sure you are switching directions and using different strokes as well.
Final Words
This article was meant to be a quick breakdown of how 스웨디시 (swedish) massage therapy can help you feel happier and less stressed by triggering the release of serotonin. This is just one of the many benefits of massage therapy, but also one of the easiest to implement. With a few simple changes to your approach, you can greatly increase your chances of triggering serotonin in your partner. Then, you can reap the rewards of a happier, healthier, and more relaxed life.
