In this episode of the "Science Behind Massage" podcast, we look at hot stone massage and what actually makes hot stone therapy feel so calming and effective.Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on clinical Hot Stone Massage Therapy: https://amzn.to/4oUbUL1Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinI explain how warm basalt stones influence muscle circulation, loosen protective tension, ease pain signals, and prepare the body for deeper hot stone massage techniques.

You’ll hear the practical, science-based reasons why heat makes the tissues more responsive and why so many people describe a sense of “melting” during a session.

This video is ideal for massage therapists, spa students, and anyone searching for clear information on hot stone massage benefits, heat therapy for muscles, and the science behind massage.

Perfect if you want straightforward, evidence-grounded education without fluff.

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Can massage therapy really activate your vagus nerve and reset your nervous system? In this episode of The Science Behind Massage, I take you deep into the fascinating link between massage, Thai Bodywork, vagal tone, stress relief, and the body’s natural healing response.Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on clinical Thai Massage: https://amzn.to/47CkJTrLet's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinThe vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve (CN X), connects the brain, heart, lungs, and digestive organs. It’s the main pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “rest and digest” response. When this nerve is stimulated, it can lower heart rate, reduce inflammation, ease anxiety, and improve digestion—making it a key player in restoring balance to the body and mind.In this episode, you’ll learn:🧠 What the vagus nerve is and where it travels through the body💓 How it connects the brainstem to major organs like the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines🌿 Why vagal tone is a marker of overall health and emotional regulation😮‍💨 How the vagus nerve affects stress, anxiety, asthma, digestion, and chronic pain💆‍♀️ How Thai massage techniques can help stimulate vagal activity and improve relaxation🫀 The science behind heart rate variability (HRV) and what it reveals about vagus nerve function🩺 How you can help your clients reset their nervous system through safe, intentional touchYou’ll also discover practical, evidence-based techniques for vagus nerve stimulation through massage:– Gentle neck and SCM work (where the vagus nerve runs close to the surface)– Circular massage behind the ears and along the jaw– Abdominal massage to support digestion and parasympathetic activation– Breathing methods, humming, cold-water exposure, and mindful movement to support vagal tone at homeUnderstanding how to work with the vagus nerve in massage therapy can transform your sessions. It’s not just about easing tight muscles — it’s about helping the body remember how to relax, recover, and heal. When you approach your clients with this knowledge, you’re influencing one of the body’s most powerful self-regulating systems.🎧 Listen now to learn how touch interacts with neuroscience and physiology, and why massage therapy for the vagus nerve is one of the most effective natural tools for restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system.If you’re a massage therapist, bodyworker, or wellness practitioner, this episode will expand your understanding of how the body’s electrical and emotional systems are intertwined — and how to support them through skillful touch.

What happens to your muscles during massage therapy? In this video, I explain how proprioceptors like muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs control muscle length, tension, and movement, and how understanding them can make your massage therapy sessions more effective.Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on Thai Table Massage: https://amzn.to/41wruCQ Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinIf you are a professional physiotherapist or massage therapist, you’ll learn how to apply Thai massage stretches, deep tissue techniques, and slow, guided movements to help clients improve flexibility, release tight muscles, and prevent injury. You will also understand how proprioceptors function - the easy way! Even if you are a beginner in massage therapy, this video is perfect for you. We also break down the science behind muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs, explaining how these sensory systems react during massage and stretching, and why they are essential for controlling reflexes, preventing overstretching, and optimizing client outcomes. Whether you’re performing Thai massage leg stretches, PNF techniques, or deep tissue work, understanding proprioceptors will transform your approach to therapy.You’ll see how proprioception, the body’s internal sense of position and movement, plays a critical role in rehabilitation, muscle recovery, and safe stretching.By the end of this video, you’ll have practical tips for resetting proprioceptor sensitivity, improving flexibility, and helping clients move more safely and effectively. If you want to enhance your massage therapy practice, increase your confidence in treating post-surgical patients, or refine your Thai massage techniques for better results, this video is a must-watch.Chapters:00:00 What Happens to Your Muscles During Massage Therapy Explained01:13 Knee Pain Recovery with Thai Massage: Real Client Case Study02:47 Understanding Proprioceptors: Muscle Awareness for Therapists04:03 Muscle Spindles in Massage Therapy: Stretch and Injury Prevention05:25 Golgi Tendon Organs: Force Sensing for Safe Muscle Work06:42 How Thai Massage Stretches Improve Flexibility and Proprioception07:45 Advanced Tips for Massage Therapists and Physiotherapists09:15 More of me!The above link is affiliate.