Chronic pain is a complex condition caused by a variety of factors which can include injury, inflammation, and nerve damage. The nervous system plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of chronic pain and is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the site of injury to the brain, where they are processed and interpreted. In some instances, the nervous system can become overactive, leading to chronic pain that persists long after the initial injury has healed.
An excellent way to help manage chronic pain is to activate the parasympathetic nervous system - the part of the nervous system is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response, which helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Massage therapy can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation in the following ways:
Stimulating the Vagus nerve: The Vagus nerve is the primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. Massage therapy can stimulate the Vagus nerve, which can help to slow down the heart rate and increase digestive peristalsis.
Reducing muscle tension: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Reducing cortisol levels: Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
By stimulating the Vagus nerve, reducing muscle tension, and reducing cortisol levels, massage therapy can help to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Bloomwellness.ca has specially designed treatments to enhance this activation - which can help with chronic stress and pain. Find out more and book your Nervous System Reset / Stress Decompression now by clicking the button below!