Neuroscience v.s. massage therapy ... ?

At first glance, neuroscience and massage therapy may not seem like they have much in common. But the more you dig into it, the clearer it becomes that there's actually a strong connection between the two. They both deal with the human body and how it can be optimized for better health and well-being. Recently, I started to listen to the podcast by Dr. Andrew Huberman. He is an American neuroscientist and tenured associate professor in the department of neurobiology and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. As I listened to some of his podcast, I started to connect Neuroscience and Massage therapy. Some of my clients have severe chronic pain which I can help during the sessions but often the pain might come back few days later. This has been a challenge. I was wondering how brain and the pain might be strongly connected. Neuroscience is all about the nervous system and how it affects things like perception, cognition, and behavior. Massage therapy, on the other hand, is a hands-on approach to easing physical tension and promoting relaxation. When you get a massage, your body produces endorphins, which are your natural painkillers. These endorphins also increase the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate things like mood, appetite, and sleep. This chemical reaction can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and make you feel generally better all around. Studies have also found that massage therapy can help increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of bonding and trust. The brain is responsible for creating and interpreting the sensation of pain. Pain is a complex experience that involves both physical and emotional components, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, stress, and anxiety. In some cases, the brain can modulate or "reset" the sensation of pain through various mechanisms, including the release of endorphins. Other factors, such as distraction, relaxation techniques like massage, and mindfulness practices, may also help to reduce the perception of pain. I am still searching for the ultimate answer to help my clients with chronic pain but I am beginning to think more I learn about neuroscience, more I am connecting the dots between unknown territories of healing arts !