For years, the power of manual touch was measured in terms of "releasing adhesions," "lengthening muscles," or "restoring range of motion." These are vital goals, but they tell only a fraction of the story. Modern scientific evidence reveals that manual touch is, in fact, a powerful neurological stimulus that triggers a chain of chemical reactions in the brain and the endocrine (hormonal) system.

 

When we place our hands on a patient, we aren't just touching skin, fascia, and muscle; we are communicating with a complex nervous system that interprets this touch as either a threat or a comfort. At Manual IL, we teach therapists to understand this neurological "algorithm." In this article, we explain how STB and HVLA techniques influence the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal), cortisol levels, and the release of "bonding and relaxation" hormones like oxytocin.

 

Chapter 1: C-Tactile Fibers – The Direct Link to Emotion

One of the most profound discoveries in neuroscience in recent decades is the existence of C-Tactile (CT) fibers. These are thin, unmyelinated nerve fibers found abundantly in human skin. Unlike other fibers that transmit technical data (location, pressure, temperature), CT fibers respond specifically to soft, slow, and warm touch—often referred to as "Affective Touch."

 

When utilizing the slow, attentive STB techniques developed by Giveon Peled, we activate these fibers. The information they carry travels directly to the Insular Cortex—the brain region responsible for our emotional state and our physical sense of "self." This activation immediately lowers the arousal level of the sympathetic nervous system.

 

Chapter 2: The War on Cortisol – Manipulation as an Anti-Stress Tool

Chronic stress is the greatest enemy of recovery. When cortisol (the stress hormone) levels remain elevated, the body stays in a constant pro-inflammatory state, the pain threshold drops, and the tissue's repair capacity is compromised.

 

Clinical studies show that integrated manual therapy—combining deep soft-tissue work with joint manipulations—leads to a significant reduction in salivary and blood cortisol levels. Eyal Feigin explains: "When we perform an HVLA (joint 'click'), we create a rapid stimulus that 'resets' the pain system. The brain, flooded with positive data from mechanoreceptors, stops sending distress signals. Once the brain no longer feels threatened, the adrenal gland decreases the production of cortisol and adrenaline."

 

Chapter 3: Oxytocin and Endorphins – The "Bonus" of Touch

On the flip side of the hormonal coin, manual touch encourages the secretion of "happiness hormones":

• Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." It is released during prolonged, relaxed skin-to-skin contact. Oxytocin is a potent natural analgesic, lowers blood pressure, and promotes tissue healing and growth.
• Endorphins and Enkephalins: The body's natural opiates. They are released during both deep tissue stimulation (as in STB) and rapid manipulation. They block pain signals in the spinal cord and create that feeling of "floating" and calm that patients experience at the end of a session.

 

Chapter 4: Vagal Regulation – The Key to the Parasympathetic System

The Vagus Nerve is the body's "brake." It is primarily responsible for activating the parasympathetic system (Rest & Digest). In Manual IL therapy, we place great emphasis on working in areas rich in vagal innervation, such as the upper cervical spine (C0-C2), the cranial base, the diaphragm, and the thorax.

 

Manual release of the suboccipital muscles using the STB method directly influences Vagal Tone. We see this clinically through HRV (Heart Rate Variability)—the most accurate metric today for the nervous system's ability to recover from stress. Correct manual treatment raises HRV, indicating a more resilient and balanced nervous system.

 

Chapter 5: Clinical Implications – Not Just "Nice," but Therapeutic

Understanding that touch changes brain chemistry alters how we build a treatment plan:

1. Chronic Pain Management: In patients with fibromyalgia or chronic back pain, the system is in a state of "Sensitization." Here, the hormonal goal (lowering cortisol, raising oxytocin) is often more important than the mechanical goal.
2. Injury Rehabilitation: Stress reduction accelerates tissue healing. A relaxed patient recovers faster from surgery or muscle tears.
3. Prevention: Monthly maintenance treatment isn't just a "treat." It serves as a tool for regulating the neuro-endocrine system in an era of non-stop modern stress.

 

Summary: The Manual Therapist as a Partner to Biology

By combining the mechanical precision of Eyal Feigin with the tissue-attentive listening of Giveon Peled, we create a complete biological intervention. The modern manual therapist is not just "moving bones" or "massaging muscles." He is a Nervous System Manager.

 

Our ability to transition a patient from a state of physiological stress to a state of neuro-chemical healing is one of the most powerful tools in manual medicine. At Manual IL, we are committed to providing you with the scientific knowledge and practical tools to become therapists who change not only a patient's posture but their entire internal environment.

 

Want to understand the physiology of touch in depth? Want to learn how to influence the autonomic nervous system and improve your clinical results in cases of stress and chronic pain? Join our flagship courses:

• Manual Therapy: MT-STB
• Trauma-Informed Care