As a massage therapist, coming into the colder winter months of the year often means the warm towels, heated wheaty bags, hot stones, heated mitts, warm massage oils, and heated massage couch for the clients warmth and comfort while having their massage are ensured even more so than in the warmer summer months.
And these small little touches of warmth often result in such pleasant and appreciative comments and enable people to fully relax even more!
So why is this?
Why does having your feet wrapped in warm towels feel like bliss?!
Why does having warm heated mitts placed on your back and shoulders feel like you’re melting in heaven?!!
Here’s why!
Cosy warmth and touch have an innate ability to soothe, calm, and relax the human body.
This timeless phenomenon has been rooted in our biology and psychology, offering numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being.
Our bodies respond to warmth in profound ways.
When we experience warmth, whether it's through heated towels, hot stones, or warm oils during a massage, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses that contribute to relaxation. The sensation of warmth on our skin stimulates the nerves, prompting the release of feel-good chemicals like Oxytocin and Serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being.
Moreover, warmth has a direct impact on our muscles.
When heat is applied, blood vessels dilate, improving circulation and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to our muscles. This helps to alleviate tension and soreness, promoting a deeper sense of relaxation. The gentle heat from items like heated mitts or heated wheat bags aids in loosening tight muscles and easing stiffness, allowing for a more effective massage experience.
But warmth isn't the only factor at play here.
Touch itself is a powerful form of communication for humans.
Through touch, whether it's the skilled hands of a massage therapist or the sensation of warm towels enveloping your feet, our bodies interpret these sensations as signals of comfort and safety. This tactile stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's rest and relaxation response.
As a result, stress hormones like Cortisol decrease, while feelings of calmness and tranquility increase.
There's also a psychological component to the relaxation brought on by warmth and touch.
The act of being physically cared for, even in the form of something as seemingly simple as warm towels or heated mitts, can evoke a sense of being nurtured and pampered.
This fosters a sense of trust and comfort, allowing individuals to let go of their thoughts and fully switch off with the therapeutic experience of a massage.
In our fast-paced lives filled with constant stimuli, moments of warmth and touch offer a much-needed respite.
They remind us to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with our bodies.
The combination of warmth and touch creates a powerful synergy. Whether it's the soothing warmth during a massage session or the comforting touch or hug from a loved one, or simply holding hands - these sensations play a pivotal role in enhancing relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
So, the next time you find yourself wrapped in warm towels or basking in the comforting relaxed state of a massage session, revel in the blissful relaxation that comes from these simple yet incredibly powerful sensations.
Allow yourself to embrace the warmth and touch that nurture your body, physically and mentally.
A couple of research studies for you ...
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that massage therapy increased oxytocin levels and decreased cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Cortisol decreases and serotonin increases following massage therapy