There are 2 main systems in the body that we are concerned with when it comes to massage; the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response/stress response) is the system that helps us ‘keep going’ when we are under stress and the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response) is the one that helps us chill out. The Vagus nerve is responsible for the functions of the relaxation response.
The picture above shows the Vagus (meaning ‘wandering’) nerve starts in the brain and extends to all the main organs in the chest and abdomen. It is the only nerve that does this. By breathing deeply, we stimulate the many Vagus nerve endings which results in the switching on of our relaxation response.
Amongst other wonderful things, massage slows down our breathing resulting in the aforementioned: relaxation on, stress off.
So, we’re on the massage table, we’ve got a nice and relaxed stomach, colon and small intestine. Digestion is increased and our bellies start rumbling. It is therefor not uncommon to have escaping gas, from either end, during a massage. In fact, it’s a sure sign that we are nice and relaxed. Your massage practitioner won’t even expect you to stir from dreamland to excuse yourself.
As and aside, this is why massage is great of anyone with digestion challenges.
So next time you have a massage and you experience this, don’t be shy, it’s all part and parcel of our bodies amazing response to the good you are doing it by getting on the massage table.
All hail the Vagus nerve!
