Under the Surface

Massage therapy can be like water moving over rocks. As the pressure from the massage sinks into and glides across a muscle nerves spark throughout the body in response to the stimulus. A swirling dance of pro- and anti-inflammatory chemical messengers mix with resident fibroblasts and immune cells. As the shape of the muscle changes in relation to the pressure applied the surrounding fascia does so as well. Inside the fascia, a mycelial-like network of stretch receptors carry the message of the movement ever onward to the central nervous system. The central nervous system leans in and listens curiously and carefully to the message. In doing so perhaps it is reminded of one of the bodies many miraculous possibilities - the possibility for change. The body might find itself pleasantly reminded that it need not hold tension in that particular area quite so steadfastly. The body might send waves of breath to wash over the tension like a cool summer breeze. The rocks themselves might soften as the collagen fibers rearrange themselves and tissue hydration swells in the wake of such movement. 

Things tend to quiet down internally as the river bends. The rhythms of the heart and breath slow. Blood pressure reduces and stress hormones decrease. A relaxation response resounds throughout the body as a soft stream of serotonin finds its way to the confluence. As the waters rise so too does the circulation. The quickening of blood and lymph brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells throughout the body in much the same way a river nourishes the ecosystem that surrounds its banks.