(Warning: This article contains some biochemistry concepts.)
One of the main reasons people do not regularly apply body balm is simply a lack of time.
However, that moment could also be an opportunity for a self-massage. The benefits go far beyond what is visible on the skin, such as improved hydration, as explained here. It would be a shame to miss out on these additional advantages. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of manual therapies.
The scientific review presented by Cabanas-Valdés et al. (2021) explores how manual therapy, through the stimulation of sensory neurons during massage, activates efferent pathways (the neurons that carry information back to the nervous system), leading to the release of oxytocin in the hypothalamus. These studies illustrate the transmission of oxytocin to the amygdala and the locus coeruleus, a brain structure involved in maintaining vigilance and alertness. Once oxytocin reaches these regions, it inhibits their activity and supports parasympathetic nervous system function, effectively shifting the body into a state of rest and recovery.
This is one of the mechanisms that helps explain the relaxing effect of massage.
Although oxytocin has a relatively short half-life of around 30 minutes, its anti-stress effects can last much longer. One proposed mechanism involves increasing the expression of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain. Unlike other adrenergic receptors that trigger different cellular cascades, alpha-2 receptors help prolong the calming effects on the central nervous system.
Reducing oxytocin to simply the “bonding hormone” does not do justice to its many roles. It sets off a cascade of effects across numerous physiological systems. So, if you feel like you’re floating after your next massage session, now you’ll know why. A similar effect can also be achieved through the stimulation of receptors by heat. For the ultimate wellness experience, combine a self-massage with a REVATUA balm after a hot shower, and let us know how it goes.
Beyond simple well-being, massage can even influence brain plasticity and may play an essential role in rehabilitation following traumatic nerve injuries.
According to a study by Xing et al. (2021), after a sciatic nerve injury, there is a significant decrease in activity within the somatosensory cortex (the area of the cerebral cortex involved in processing sensory input and contributing to movement control). In the group that received a 10-minute massage each day for four weeks, researchers observed a significant increase in somatosensory cortical activity. Activity levels remained lower than those of the uninjured control group but were substantially higher than those observed in the group that received only acupressure.
In this study, active massage appeared to support adaptive neuroplasticity, promoting better sensory integration and functional recovery after nerve injury.
Massage also plays an important role at the local muscular level.
Zhang et al. (2024) demonstrated that a group receiving 9 minutes of daily Tui Na massage (a traditional Chinese massage technique) for 20 days showed P-FoXO/FoXO concentrations in the soleus muscle similar to those of the healthy control group with no sciatic nerve injury. P-FoXO is involved in inhibiting muscle atrophy and therefore promotes anabolic pathways, whereas FOXO acts as a transcription factor associated with catabolic pathways.
The proposed mechanism involves increased levels of IGF-1 and PI3K/AKT signaling (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase, which in turn promotes protein synthesis) through improved circulation in a muscle that, following nerve injury, had lost contractility and therefore experienced reduced blood perfusion.
This article has gone into a bit more detail than usual, but the key takeaway is simple: regular massages are beneficial for both body and mind.
And if you’d like to learn how to make your own balms or massage oils, did you know that I offer a comprehensive guide to homemade formulation?
The information presented in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Any questions regarding your physical or mental health should be directed to a qualified healthcare professional. The author of this article cannot be held responsible for any use made of the information shared herein.
We used an AI to create the illustration of this article.
Bibliographie
Cabanas-Valdés, Rosa & Calvo-Sanz, Jordi & Serra Llobet, Pol & Alcoba Kait, Joana & Rueda, Vanessa & Rodríguez-Rubio, Pere Ramón. (2021). The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Improving Sequelae in Post-Stroke Survivors. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18. 4424. 10.3390/ijerph18094424.
Uvnäs-Moberg K, Handlin L, Petersson M. Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Front Psychol. 2015 Jan 12;5:1529. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529. PMID: 25628581; PMCID: PMC4290532.
Xing XX, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Ma SJ, Ma ZZ, Xu JG. Brain plasticity after peripheral nerve injury treatment with massage therapy based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural Regen Res. 2021 Feb;16(2):388-393. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.290912. PMID: 32859803; PMCID: PMC7896216.
Zhang, Yingqi & Zhang, Hanyu & Liu, Jiayue & Sun, Jiawei & Xu, Yue & Shi, Narentuya & Zhang, Hongzheng & Yan, Jiawang & Chen, Jinping & Wang, Hourong & Yu, Tianyuan. (2024). Tuina alleviates the muscle atrophy induced by sciatic nerve injury in rats through regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 19. 10.1186/s13018-024-05270-1.