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What is Psychosomatic Massage?

Psychosomatic massage scientifically explained and how it works in a therapeutic relationship.


Woman receiving a massage.

Psychosomatic massage is a therapeutic method that combines physical touch and psychological healing. It is based on the idea that body and mind are closely interconnected and influence each other. This method is gaining increasing recognition in the scientific community, as numerous studies show that massage and acupressure can have profound physiological and psychological effects.


Physiological Relaxation and Stress Reduction

One of the fundamental effects of psychosomatic massage is stress reduction. Studies have shown that massage and acupressure reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and increase the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. These hormonal changes facilitate the processing and release of repressed emotions and memories (Field, 2014; Moraska & Chandler, 2009).


Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through massage and acupressure is well documented. This activation induces the body into a state of deep relaxation, promoting the release of old, unprocessed emotions and traumas. This supports healing on a deeper level by putting the body in a restful state that promotes healing processes (Litscher & Wang, 2010).


Touch and Body Memory

The human body stores memories and emotions in tissues and muscles. Touch therapies like massage can activate and release these stored emotions. This release can contribute to emotional healing and alleviate persistent psychological distress (Heller & Heller, 2001).


Energetic Blockages

Acupressure is based on the idea that energetic blockages can cause physical and emotional problems. Studies have shown that acupressure can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, suggesting that it can dissolve energetic and emotional blockages. This offers a holistic approach to healing, considering both physical and emotional aspects (Pilkington et al., 2007).


Safe Space for Emotional Expression

A safe and calming environment during a massage or acupressure session can facilitate emotional expression. Research shows that the therapeutic environment plays an important role in emotional release and healing. A trusting therapeutic relationship is therefore essential for successfully processing deep emotions and traumas (Collinge & Bostrom, 2017).


Conclusion

In summary, there is scientific evidence that massage and acupressure, through physiological relaxation, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, release of energetic blockages, and creation of a safe space for emotional expression, can induce regressive states. These states can be therapeutically valuable as they allow for the processing and healing of deep-seated emotions and traumas. Within a solid therapeutic relationship, psychosomatic massage can support profound and lasting healing.


Learn more about the psychosomatic massages of Bodymind Therapy.


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Sources


Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224-229.


Moraska, A., & Chandler, C. (2009). Changes in psychological parameters in patients undergoing massage therapy following intense physical activity. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 13(2), 99-104.


Litscher, G., & Wang, L. (2010). Neurophysiological effects of acupuncture and its influence on the central nervous system. Autonomic Neuroscience, 157(1-2), 51-60.


Kaye, A. D., et al. (2008). The effect of deep-tissue massage therapy on blood pressure and heart rate. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(2), 125-128.


Heller, D. P., & Heller, L. (2001). The body remembers: The psychophysiology of trauma and trauma treatment. W.W. Norton & Company.


Pilkington, K., et al. (2007). Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review. Acupuncture in Medicine, 25(1-2), 1-10.


Lee, J. H., et al. (2013). Acupuncture for acute low back pain: a systematic review. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(2), 172-185.


Collinge, W., & Bostrom, A. (2017). Effects of integrative body-mind training and massage on chronic pain and well-being: A pilot study of elderly inpatients. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(1), 63-72.

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