Listening to the Body: Understanding Tension Through Somatic Bodywork—Part 2

An educational series from Exalted Grace on how the body stores tension and how my style of therapeutic bodywork helps release it.

Many people experience recurring muscle tension, posture discomfort, or stress in the body without fully understanding why it happens. This series explores how the nervous system, breathing patterns, posture, and connective tissue all interact to shape the way our bodies hold and release tension. Each article offers a deeper look into what’s happening during my therapeutic bodywork sessions and how learning to listen to the body can support long-term balance and relief.

Part 2– What Happens to Your Nervous System During a Massage

Many people notice something interesting during a massage session…

Their breathing slows.

Their thoughts become quieter.

Sometimes they even fall asleep.

Others experience something slightly different. They may feel emotions rise unexpectedly, or notice their body releasing tension in waves.

All of these responses have something in common. They are signs that the nervous system is shifting into a more regulated state.

Massage therapy works not only through muscles and fascia, but also through the autonomic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for regulating stress, relaxation, digestion, and recovery.

Understanding how this works can help explain why therapeutic bodywork often affects both the body and the mind.

The Body’s Two Main Nervous System States

The autonomic nervous system operates through two primary modes.

The first is the sympathetic nervous system, often called the fight-or-flight response. This system helps the body respond to stress or urgent situations.

When this system is active, the body tends to:

• increase muscle tension

• breathe more quickly and shallowly

• elevate heart rate

• focus attention outward

This state is useful for short bursts of activity, but modern life can keep many people in this mode for long periods of time.

The second system is the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes called the rest-and-repair response.

When this system becomes more active, the body shifts toward:

• slower breathing

• reduced muscle tension

• improved circulation

• digestion and cellular repair

Massage therapy often helps the nervous system transition toward this parasympathetic state.

Why Breathing Changes During Massage

One of the first signs of nervous system regulation is a change in breathing. Many people begin a session breathing mostly in the upper chest. This is common when the body is under stress or mental concentration.

As the nervous system relaxes, breathing often shifts downward into the diaphragm. The breath becomes deeper, slower, and more rhythmic. Clients sometimes notice themselves taking large spontaneous breaths or sighs during this process. These are natural signs that the body is releasing tension and returning to a more balanced state.

Why Muscles Begin Releasing

Muscle tension is strongly influenced by the nervous system. When the brain senses stress or instability, it increases muscle tone to help stabilize the body. This protective tension can remain even after the original stress has passed. Therapeutic touch sends signals through specialized receptors in the skin and fascia. These signals communicate safety and stability to the nervous system. As the nervous system becomes more comfortable, it gradually reduces unnecessary muscle guarding. This is why muscles often feel like they soften or “melt” under the hands during slower, sustained bodywork.

Why Some People Fall Asleep

Falling asleep during massage is very common. When the parasympathetic system becomes dominant, the body moves toward states similar to the early stages of sleep. Brainwave activity often shifts from alert beta waves toward slower alpha and theta rhythms. These states are associated with relaxation, meditation, and restorative rest. Even when someone remains awake, the body may experience a similar depth of relaxation.

Emotional Responses Are Sometimes Part of the Process

Occasionally clients notice emotions arising during bodywork. This might include feelings of sadness, relief, or unexpected calm. These responses are not unusual. The nervous system stores many of our experiences through patterns of muscle tone, breathing, and posture. When those physical patterns begin releasing, the nervous system sometimes processes associated emotions at the same time. In most cases, these responses pass quickly and leave people feeling lighter and more relaxed afterward.

Why Quiet Sessions Can Deepen Relaxation

During many sessions I tend to hold quiet space rather than continuous conversation. This is intentional.

When the mind remains engaged in conversation, the brain stays more active in analytical thinking. While that can be pleasant socially, it can also make it harder for the nervous system to drop into deeper relaxation.

Allowing the session to remain mostly quiet helps many people shift their attention inward toward their breathing and body sensations. That inward focus often allows the nervous system to settle more deeply. Of course, clients are always welcome to speak up if something needs adjusting or if they prefer more conversation.

What Happens After the Session

After bodywork, the nervous system may remain in a regulated state for some time.

People often notice:

• deeper breathing

• improved mobility

• mental clarity

• reduced physical tension

Sometimes the body continues integrating the changes for several hours afterward. Drinking water, moving gently, and allowing time for rest can help the body adapt to these shifts.

Helping the Body Learn New Patterns

One of the most powerful aspects of therapeutic bodywork is that the nervous system can learn from repeated experiences. When the body repeatedly experiences deep relaxation and improved movement, those states begin to feel more familiar and accessible. Over time, many clients find that their bodies begin relaxing more quickly and more completely with each session. This is one of the ways bodywork can support long-term improvements in comfort, posture, and overall well-being.

Many people are surprised by how deeply their body relaxes once the nervous system has a chance to settle.

If you’d like to experience this process for yourself, you can view available sessions here.

Schedule your session →

In the next article, we’ll look at five common tension patterns that show up in the body and how they often develop over time.