"I went for a massage to relieve my stiff shoulders, but the next day my body felt even heavier and more sluggish..."
"To be honest, being pushed and prodded with strong pressure is painful and not for me..."
It is not uncommon for people to develop a hesitation toward body care due to these experiences with "momikaeshi" (post-massage soreness).
In reality, forcefully "pressing" or "kneading" the body is not necessarily required to relax it from its core. In fact, it can often have the opposite effect.
In this article, we will explain why post-massage soreness occurs and the mechanisms behind why the "no-forcing, no-kneading approach" practiced by Unfolding Bodywork can incredibly relax your body right from its core.
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The main cause of post-massage soreness is "microscopic muscle cell inflammation," where muscle fibers are damaged by excessive force.
When strong force (stimulation) is applied from the outside, the human body subconsciously judges that it is "under attack." To protect itself, it inherently tenses up from the inside to resist—a reaction known as the defense reflex.
2. The body tenses up to defend itself
3. Attempting to loosen it with even greater force
4. Muscle tissue is damaged, resulting in sluggishness and pain (soreness) the next day
In other words, a strong massage received with good intentions can ironically end up causing tension in both the nervous system and the muscles.
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At Unfolding Bodywork, we do not attempt to control the muscles through external pressure at all. Instead, we approach the body with a subtle touch, as if listening to it.
Why does stubborn tension dissolve even without pressing or kneading? There are three main reasons:
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"I want to avoid painful treatments, but I want to fundamentally release the heaviness and tension in my body."
An Unfolding Bodywork session is ideal for those who feel this way.
In our sessions held at a quiet studio in Kyoto (Atelier Nae), we carefully and gently unwind the patterns of tension you have unconsciously held onto, without applying any forced stimulation.
We invite you to experience the "overwhelming stillness" and "lightness of body" that awaits you after the session, much like waking up from a deep meditation.
A relaxation from the core of your body that can only be reached because we do not press or knead. Let us restore the inherent comfort your body possesses together.
Please contact us below to make a reservation.
"To be honest, being pushed and prodded with strong pressure is painful and not for me..."
It is not uncommon for people to develop a hesitation toward body care due to these experiences with "momikaeshi" (post-massage soreness).
In reality, forcefully "pressing" or "kneading" the body is not necessarily required to relax it from its core. In fact, it can often have the opposite effect.
In this article, we will explain why post-massage soreness occurs and the mechanisms behind why the "no-forcing, no-kneading approach" practiced by Unfolding Bodywork can incredibly relax your body right from its core.
---
1. Why does strong massage cause "post-massage soreness"?
The main cause of post-massage soreness is "microscopic muscle cell inflammation," where muscle fibers are damaged by excessive force.
When strong force (stimulation) is applied from the outside, the human body subconsciously judges that it is "under attack." To protect itself, it inherently tenses up from the inside to resist—a reaction known as the defense reflex.
- The vicious cycle of force:
2. The body tenses up to defend itself
3. Attempting to loosen it with even greater force
4. Muscle tissue is damaged, resulting in sluggishness and pain (soreness) the next day
In other words, a strong massage received with good intentions can ironically end up causing tension in both the nervous system and the muscles.
---
2. Why the body relaxes from its core despite "no pressing and no kneading"
At Unfolding Bodywork, we do not attempt to control the muscles through external pressure at all. Instead, we approach the body with a subtle touch, as if listening to it.
Why does stubborn tension dissolve even without pressing or kneading? There are three main reasons:
① It avoids triggering the body's "defense reflex"
A subtle and gentle touch sends a signal to the body that "this is a safe place." Because the body does not sense an attack and tense up (defense reflex), the barrier of tension naturally dissolves, allowing the approach to smoothly reach the deep muscles and tissues.② It switches the nervous system to "rest" mode
Chronic stiffness and tension represent a state where the sympathetic nervous system ("fight-or-flight" mode) is overactive. Gentle, non-invasive tactile stimulation acts directly on the brain, encouraging a shift to the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest-and-digest" mode). As the nervous system rests, the muscles begin to relax on their own.③ It acts on the "fascia and fluids" rather than just the muscles
While strong massages target the surface muscles (outer muscles), a quiet and subtle touch addresses the connections of the "fascia" that envelops the entire body, as well as fluid circulation. This not only relieves localized stiffness but also balances the entire body from the inside out.---
3. Comparison between "Strong Massage" and "Unfolding Bodywork"
| Item | Strong Massage / Chiropractic | Unfolding Bodywork |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulation | Hurts-so-good to intense pain | Pain-free; offers a sense of security from being touched |
| Body's Response | Overpowered by force (prone to triggering defense reflexes) | The body releases tension on its own (sense of safety) |
| Condition Next Day | Risk of post-massage soreness and sluggishness | No soreness; lasting lightness and deep stillness |
| Target of Approach | Localized muscle stiffness | Nervous system, fascia, and mind-body wholeness (holistic) |
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4. Achieve a deep mind-body reset without post-massage soreness
"I want to avoid painful treatments, but I want to fundamentally release the heaviness and tension in my body."
An Unfolding Bodywork session is ideal for those who feel this way.
In our sessions held at a quiet studio in Kyoto (Atelier Nae), we carefully and gently unwind the patterns of tension you have unconsciously held onto, without applying any forced stimulation.
We invite you to experience the "overwhelming stillness" and "lightness of body" that awaits you after the session, much like waking up from a deep meditation.
A relaxation from the core of your body that can only be reached because we do not press or knead. Let us restore the inherent comfort your body possesses together.
