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.

In this episode of Science Behind Massage, I break down the fascinating world of the intermuscular septa. These deep fascial partitions connect to bone, shape our fascial compartments, and guide the path of nerves and blood vessels. Understanding them changes how we see movement, stability, and even massage techniques.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/joinThis is an anatomy video for massage therapists, massage students, and bodyworkers who want to deepen their knowledge of fascia, collagen, deep fascia, periosteum, and the role of septa in the human body. We’ll also explore how the Sen energy lines in Thai massage connect with these anatomical structures, linking tradition and science in a powerful way.You’ll learn about:- The structure and physiology of intermuscular septa- How septa form compartments in the arms, thighs, and lower legs- Their role in proprioception, circulation, and force transmission- Clinical relevance, including compartment syndrome- Practical connections between anatomy and Thai massage practiceIf you’re looking for clear, research-based massage anatomy education that goes beyond the surface, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 What Are Intermuscular Septa?01:13 Septa, Fascia, and Bone Connections02:47 Fascial Compartments and Their Functions04:03 Formation and Sensory Roles of Septa05:25 Clinical Relevance: Compartment Syndrome and Beyond06:42 Thai Massage Sen Lines and Septa Connections07:45 Research and septa10:35 More of me!The above link is affiliate.

Plants and humans might look worlds apart, but biologically, we share more than you think. In this episode of Science Behind Massage, I explore how our bodies echo plant structures—from cells and circulation to growth, reproduction, and even the chemistry of healing.Enroll in my yearly herbalism training (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/herbal-medicine-training-en.htmlAmazon book on Clinical Aromatherapy: https://amzn.to/4fNX1WQ Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinAs a professional massage instructor with additional training in anatomy, physiology, and clinical herbal medicine (these were part of my complementary medicine training), I bring together the science of touch and the wisdom of nature to show how plants laid the groundwork long before humans appeared.You will learn about:- the similarities between plants and humans- the amazing symbiotic relationship between plants and humans! - Difference between human and plant cells- Similarities in anatomy, biology and responsesWe’ll talk about hierarchical organization, shared genetics, organ systems, and co-evolution—plus how these connections explain why plant compounds interact so well with the human body. If you’ve ever wondered why massage, herbal medicine, and biology feel so interconnected, this is your episode. If you are an anatomy, or biology nerd, hey this is made for you!Chapters:00:00 Plants as the Blueprint of Life01:30 Hierarchical Organization: From Cells to Organs02:10 Shared Genetics and Cellular Machinery04:16 Circulation and Respiration: Parallels in Flow06:29 Growth Zones: Meristems and Human Bones06:57 Reproduction: Seeds, Ovules, and Human Parallels08:00 Co-Evolution and Dependence Between Plants and Humans11:12 More of me!The above link is affiliate.

In this video, I take a deep look into how the three types of levers—first-class, second-class, and third-class—play out in real, hands-on massage work.

Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on Gua Sha: https://amzn.to/4kXlGK9 Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinUnderstanding levers in massage therapy isn’t just for anatomy geeks—it’s essential for every massage professional who wants to work smarter, prevent fatigue, and maintain a long, sustainable career. Whether you're practicing Swedish massage on a table or Thai massage on a mat, your ability to use the body’s lever systems efficiently can make the difference between lasting five years in the field or thriving for decades.

Drawing on my professional background as a massage therapy instructor trained in both Europe and in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I bring practical insight into how these biomechanical principles directly affect the quality of your touch, your ability to apply force effectively, and how much strain you put on your own joints and muscles.

When I first trained in Swedish massage, I learned how to use forearms, thumbs, and body weight to create pressure. But it wasn’t until I studied Thai massage in Chiang Mai that I truly discovered what it means to use your own body as a tool. Pulls, lifts, compressions, and stretches suddenly made more sense when I realized I had been fighting against my own levers in many table-based techniques. That moment changed the way I moved forever. My biomechanics became more economical, more sustainable, and surprisingly more effective.This episode is especially useful for professional massage therapists, Thai massage practitioners, physiotherapists, and anyone working in the manual therapy or wellness field who wants to improve their understanding of functional anatomy and biomechanics. We go well beyond textbook definitions and explore real-world applications of leverage during massage therapy—from using your elbow in a seated effleurage stroke to repositioning a client’s limb during stretching.

We’ll cover what each type of lever means in the context of human movement and massage:

How a first-class lever, like when you balance your own weight while doing seated compressions behind a client, gives you control and balance.

How a second-class lever, such as during certain Thai foot compressions, allows you to apply high force with less muscular effort—giving you the advantage when working with larger clients.

And how the third-class levers, which dominate in most of our limb movements, can make small muscles do big jobs—creating strain if not used with bodyweight efficiency.

The conversation around mechanical advantage is especially important here. You’ll learn how to position yourself so that your joints and limbs are supported by gravity and smart alignment, rather than relying solely on muscle power. These are not just academic ideas—they’re the key to minimizing fatigue, improving pressure control, and working with grace and power, even after hours of back-to-back sessions.We’ll also look at the difference between table-based and mat-based work. If you’re someone who wants to go beyond routine and really master the body’s natural mechanics, this episode is for you. It blends functional anatomy, practical biomechanics, and clinical insight, giving you tools you can take straight into your next session.Watch the full video to start using your own body more efficiently, reduce long-term strain, and refine your practice from the inside out. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes. Let’s keep the conversation about smart, sustainable, science-based bodywork going.

Are swollen ankles safe to massage? In this video, I talk about what massage therapists need to know when a client presents with ankle swelling - what causes it, when it's safe to treat, and when to refer out. Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on Gua Sha: https://amzn.to/4kXlGK9 Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinYou'll learn the difference between bilateral and unilateral swelling, how to recognize red flags, and how techniques like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), Swedish massage, and Thai massage may help reduce fluid retention.Whether you're a student, practitioner, or bodywork educator, this is essential knowledge for offering safe and effective treatment. I also explain how circulatory and lymphatic systems interact during massage, and why the ankles are such a common site for fluid buildup.📌 Who this video is for:Physiotherapists, massage therapists, reflexologists, osteopaths, manual therapists, and anyone interested in foot biomechanics, gait analysis, and holistic pain relief.🔹 Subscribe to the channel for more massage tutorials🔹 Like and comment if this video helps you🔹 Share with colleagues or students in massage or sports therapy👍 Drop a comment with questions or techniques you’d like to see next.

Discover how manual lymphatic drainage really works—and why every therapist should take it seriously. In this episode of Science Behind Massage, I break down the powerful effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on lymphedema, inflammation, muscle recovery, and rehabilitation.Book an affordable massage class (includes certification): https://jointheflow.weebly.com/our-courses.htmlAmazon book on Clinical Aromatherapy: https://amzn.to/3IBmeYa Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/flowathensJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwF_n9Vs-YtxEj5TRx7dwQ/joinYou'll learn the science behind arm lymphatic drainage massage, what happens during breast lymphatic drainage, and why MLD is essential for effective lymphedema treatment—especially after cancer surgery. I also explain how lymphatic massage helps flush out excess protein, inflammatory mediators, and post-exercise enzymes like creatine kinase and lactate.If you’re a massage therapist or physiotherapist looking to truly understand the body’s lymphatic system, this episode gives you a complete, research-based explanation of how and why MLD works - no fluff, just evidence and anatomy.📌 Who this video is for:Physiotherapists, massage therapists, reflexologists, osteopaths, manual therapists, and anyone interested in holistic pain relief.🔹 Subscribe to the channel for more massage tutorials🔹 Like and comment if this video helps you🔹 Share with colleagues or students in massage or sports therapy👍 Drop a comment with questions or techniques you’d like to see next.