It’s easy to think of gratitude as an emotion — something you feel in your heart.But science shows that gratitude actually has a powerful effect on your body , too. When practiced intentionally, it helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and even speed recovery. The Connection Between Gratitude and the Nervous System When you experience gratitude, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin  — two neurotransmitters that promote calm, happiness, and relaxation. That

It’s that time of year when everyone’s trying to stay well — stocking up on vitamins, eating soups, and hoping to dodge what’s “going around.” Massage therapy can absolutely play a role in keeping your immune system strong — but here’s the part most people don’t realize sometimes the best  thing you can do for your health (and your therapist’s!) is to wait  until you’re fully recovered before getting a massage. Let’s talk about both sides — how massage boosts immunity and  wh

You know that feeling when you finally sit down after a long day — but your body still feels like it’s running? Your heart’s steady, but your shoulders are tense. Your mind is replaying tomorrow’s to-do list, and even when you close your eyes, it’s like your body forgot how to relax. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken — you’re just stuck in what your nervous system thinks is “normal.” What’s Really Going On When You Can’t Relax Stress doesn’t just live in your mind —

After a massage, it is common to experience some soreness in the muscles. This is due to the pressure applied during the massage, which...