Why People Fall Asleep During Massage

Have you ever drifted off during a massage and wondered why it happens?

In this episode, Pauline from Pendulum Massage explores the science behind one of the most common experiences on the massage table — falling asleep.

Massage therapy can encourage the body to shift from the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” stress response) into the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes called the body’s rest-and-digest mode. When this shift occurs, heart rate slows, breathing deepens, and muscles begin to release tension.

Research from Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institute has shown that massage therapy can reduce the stress hormone cortisol while increasing serotonin and dopamine — neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and well-being.

Because serotonin is involved in regulating sleep cycles, this change in body chemistry may help explain why many people naturally drift into sleep during treatment.

In this episode, Pauline explains what is happening in the body and why falling asleep during massage is often a sign that the nervous system has finally switched into recovery mode.

Weblinks:

http://pendulummassage.co.uk

Citations:

Field, T. (2014). Massage Therapy Research Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

• Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005).
Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience.

• Research from the Touch Research Institute on physiological responses to massage therapy.

In this episode of The Black Massage Therapist, Pauline Blackwood takes listeners inside the first ten minutes of a massage session — a part of the experience many people are curious about but rarely hear explained. From the moment a client arrives, Pauline describes how the space, the conversation, and the consultation help create a sense of safety and calm. These early moments are not rushed; they are where the therapeutic relationship begins and where the body often starts to soften even before the massage starts.

Pauline explains how a thoughtful consultation helps build trust, understand what the body needs, and shape the treatment that follows. She shares how listening carefully, explaining the process, and giving clients time to settle all contribute to a more restorative experience. The episode also explores how the nervous system responds in those first few minutes — when breathing slows, shoulders release, and the body begins to recognise it can finally rest.

If you live locally and have been thinking about trying massage, this episode may help you feel more confident about what to expect. Pauline offers restorative and therapeutic massage from her treatment room, where sessions are designed to support relaxation, recovery, and wellbeing.

You are warmly invited to book a session online and experience the space for yourself.

Useful Links:

My website

Books

In this episode of The Black Massage Therapist, Pauline Blackwood invites listeners into the heart of her practice with a gentle tour of the treatment room where her restorative and therapeutic work takes place. Rather than focusing on techniques, this episode explores something just as important

— the environment in which massage happens. From the way the table is prepared to the oils, lighting, and small details that support relaxation, Pauline explains how every element of the room is chosen with care.

Drawing on her experience as a working massage therapist in London, Pauline reflects on how the treatment room becomes a quiet space where clients can pause from the pressures of daily life. Many people arrive carrying stress, fatigue, or the physical effects of long hours at desks, and the atmosphere of the room plays an important role in helping the body settle and feel safe enough to rest.

This episode offers a calm behind-the-scenes look at the practical and thoughtful choices that help create a restorative massage experience.

Whether you are curious about what happens in a professional treatment room, interested in therapeutic bodywork, or simply looking for a moment of quiet reflection, this gentle introduction to Pauline’s workspace offers insight into the care that supports every treatment.

Hosted by Pauline Blackwood, massage therapist and founder of Pendulum Massage in London.

Welcome to The Black Massage Therapist, a podcast exploring massage, recovery, rest, and real-life wellness through the lived experience of a working therapist. In this short opening episode, Pauline Blackwood introduces the heart behind the podcast — why it was created, who it is for, and what listeners can expect as the journey unfolds. With over seven years of professional practice, Pauline brings experience in oncology massage, pregnancy and postpartum care, sports massage, relaxation therapies, and mindful bodywork. As a therapist, educator, and wellness advocate, she has supported clients through injury recovery, cancer treatment, life transitions, and the everyday stresses carried in the body. This podcast grows from that treatment room experience — honest conversations about care, touch, resilience, culture, and the importance of rest, especially within communities that are often under-supported in wellness spaces. Episode 11 marks the quiet beginning: a first step, a first voice note, and an invitation to slow down and listen. Perfect for: • people curious about massage and bodywork • those navigating recovery or stress • therapists and wellness practitioners • anyone seeking grounded, accessible self-care New episodes will explore massage knowledge, client stories, women’s life stages, recovery, breath, movement, and the wisdom gathered from years of hands-on practice. 🎧 Subscribe and join the conversation.

This show is dedicated to the people of Jamaica who have survived the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. If you feel called, I urge you to donate to the Jamaican Government fund for disaster recovery.

https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs

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Are you anti stretching?

Have you wondered where you might start?

The best way forwards is to start where you are at this very moment and the best time to start is now.

This episode features a concise guide to stretching and some suggestions as to where you can find different types of stretching to suit your preference.

Pauline Blackwood is a seasoned complementary therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in oncology massage, pregnancy and postpartum care, sports massage, and relaxation therapies. As a proud daughter of the Windrush generation, Pauline brings a culturally grounded and compassionate approach to wellness, blending professional expertise with lived experience.

She created The Black Complementary Therapist podcast to amplify holistic healing conversations within and beyond the Black community — making space for stories, knowledge, and practices that center care, resilience, and empowerment. Pauline's work is rooted in touch, trust, and thoughtful education, with each episode reflecting her mission to support everyday people on their journey to well-being.

Show notes:

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave 5* reviews

I include a link to my introductory seated stretch video on youtube.

Pendulum Massage Canary Wharf Website

@pendulummassage insta handle

Today's episode is a shout out about how wonderful physical movement is for the mind the body and the spirit. Movement truly is medicine and Motion truly is lotion. Healing begins with a little sweat.

For those who worry about pain, body image, fitness and joy, finding a way of moving can be a struggle, but with the greatest kindness, I urge you to do just that.

From the artist that creates a soundtrack to create to.

To the gardener in a high rise that potters about with houseplants.

To the factory worker on their morning walk to work with favourite music on headphones.

To the commuter on the tube taking the steps.

2 left feet can still have a right to dance.

Dance, stroll, wheel, play, climb, crawl if you haven't already.

Maybe you'll find your tribe. Maybe you'll start your tribe. It's never too late or too early.

Today's show was made with less noise because of http://github.com/Rikorose/DeepFilterNet and open source software. Many thanks :-)

Pauline Blackwood is a seasoned complementary therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in oncology massage, pregnancy and postpartum care, sports massage, and relaxation therapies. As a proud daughter of the Windrush generation, Pauline brings a culturally grounded and compassionate approach to wellness, blending professional expertise with lived experience.

She created The Black Complementary Therapist podcast to amplify holistic healing conversations within and beyond the Black community — making space for stories, knowledge, and practices that center care, resilience, and empowerment. Pauline's work is rooted in touch, trust, and thoughtful education, with each episode reflecting her mission to support everyday people on their journey to well-being.

Show notes:

Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave 5* reviews

Pendulum Massage Canary Wharf Website

@pendulummassage insta handle

Todays episode looks into practical tips that we can share on how to deal with stress in a general way.

Great resources we can share include:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

https://www.baatn.org.uk/

https://www.blackpsychotherapy.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/search-results/?q=stress#stq=stress&stp=1 for resources on stress and mental health

Pauline Blackwood is a seasoned complementary therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in oncology massage, pregnancy and postpartum care, sports massage, and relaxation therapies. As a proud daughter of the Windrush generation, Pauline brings a culturally grounded and compassionate approach to wellness, blending professional expertise with lived experience.

She created The Black Complementary Therapist podcast to amplify holistic healing conversations within and beyond the Black community — making space for stories, knowledge, and practices that center care, resilience, and empowerment. Pauline's work is rooted in touch, trust, and thoughtful education, with each episode reflecting her mission to support everyday people on their journey to well-being.

Show notes:

http://pendulummassage.co.uk Pendulum Massage Canary Wharf

Instagram @pendulummassage