It happens at least once every day: a client tenses up just a little and apologizes for the rumbling coming from their abdomen. For some, it is a passing thought. However, some clients get quite embarrassed. Your stomach growling is a great sign that the massage is “working”. Massage therapists love to hear your stomach growl!
Why? Well our bodies have two nervous system responses. You may have heard of the terms “flight or fight” and “rest and digest.” These are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system responses our bodies have to our surroundings and they have a huge impact on our health. Unfortunately, we spend more time in our sympathetic (fight or flight) response than ever before. While we need this response for our survival, we are not supposed to spend elongated periods like this. This stress overload can wreak havoc on our bodies.
When you come in for a session to manage your stress, one of the main goals your massage therapist has is to help you into your parasympathetic response. This is where your body can start to make the healing changes it needs within yourself. One of the first signs that you are shifting into your rest and digest system is that tummy growling. In this response your immune systems get a refresh, blood heads to areas of your body like your stomach, intestines and your reproductive organs. Getting massage and doing things like meditation, yoga, or other activities that help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system is great for your overall health.
When we hear those growling noises it is a pretty direct sign that we are doing our job, and that makes us feel awesome! So the next time your stomach makes crazy noises on the table, don’t be embarrassed, be amazed that your body always knows just what you need.
Let us help you manage your stress! Set up an appointment here.