Why does that way of touching help the body heal? | If you are a therapist school, executive academy Osaka | Blog

— The essence of oxytocin and Swedish massage —

"Getting a massage makes me feel at ease."
"Being touched brings me fulfillment."

This isn't a matter of subjective feeling.

In reality, inside the body,
A clear "physiological reaction" is occurring.

At its heart is

Oxytocin

These are what are commonly known as "happiness hormones" or "bonding hormones."

However, what's important here is

It doesn't come out just by touching it.

That's the point.

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■ Oxytocin levels are determined by "how you are touched".

It is often said that "physical contact releases oxytocin,"
This is half correct and half a misunderstanding.

because

It is only secreted when the nerves perceive a touch as "safe".

That's because...

The person involved here is

C tactile fibers

That's the kind of nerve I have.

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■ The skin has "nerves specifically for reassurance"

C tactile fibers are

* Unlike nerves that sense pain or pressure
* The nerves that make us feel "comfort" and "security"

is.

However, this nerve is quite selfish.

They don't react to every stimulus.

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■ It only reacts under certain conditions.

C tactile fibers respond best to slow touch at a speed of approximately 3-5 cm/second.

and

* Gentle pressure
* A consistent rhythm
* A close, unyielding embrace

Only when these conditions are met

The brain interprets this as "safe contact."

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■ What's happening inside your body

When this "safe way of touching" is introduced...

The first to react is
This is the amygdala (the center that judges danger and safety).

If it is judged to be "safe" here

* The hypothalamus reacts
* Oxytocin secretion
* Parasympathetic nervous system dominance

This is how the process unfolds.

the result

* Blood vessels dilate
* Blood flow will recover naturally.
* Breathing becomes deeper
* Warms you up from the inside

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■ "Muscle relaxation" is merely a result.

Here's where many people get it wrong.

"If you loosen the muscles, they will relax."

That's the idea.

In reality, it's the opposite.

The muscles are forced to relax because the nerves perceive it as safe.

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In other words

Muscles are the "result," not the "cause."

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■ The essence of Swedish massage

Looking at the structure of Swedish massage, we can see that it makes a lot of sense.

* A small amount of oil
* The close fit won't slip away
* Grounding that provides support across a surface
* The pressure under which body weight is supported

All of these

👉 Designed to stimulate C tactile fibers with maximum efficiency.

It is as it is.

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■ Why is only a "small amount" of oil needed?

It's commonly thought that "oil is just for making things slide," but that's not the whole story.

Oil exists "to prevent separation".

If there is too much oil

* My hand slipped
* Ground contact weakens
* Weight escapes

As a result

The nerves become less able to recognize that they are being touched.

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■ Why does it "warm you up from the inside"?

Those who have taken Swedish often say this.

"It feels warm from the inside, like I've been in a hot spring."

This cannot be explained by friction alone.

What is actually happening is

👉 Nerves recognize safety → Blood vessels dilate → Blood flow is restored → Heat is generated from within.

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In other words
Warmth is a "result," not something you create.

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■ Differences from treatment performed over clothing

Even when the treatment is performed over clothing.

The muscles will relax to some extent.

however
Stimulation of C tactile fibers is greatly reduced.

Because it reduces "skin-to-skin contact."

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the result

* Superficial relaxation occurs
* But it's difficult to reach a "deep sense of security."

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■ Conclusion

The body only changes when it deems it safe.

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That's why

The question isn't how to loosen them up, but how to avoid being rejected.

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We need to start designing from here.

KAORI