Why Gentle Touch Heals: The Fascia, the Nervous System, and What I’ve Learned After Decades of Therapy

Introduction — A Shift in Belief

When I first began working as a massage therapist decades ago, I believed what many of us were taught: that strong pressure, intensity, and a little pain meant progress. "No pain, no gain," they said. I thought if I wasn’t pushing hard, I wasn’t helping.

But over the years, something didn’t sit right. I started seeing clients who came back regularly, yet their bodies were still tight. Still imbalanced. Still in pain. And I began to ask myself: What if what I’ve been doing isn’t really helping them heal?

From Firm Pressure to Subtle Wisdom

I used to spend 60 or 90 minutes working on exactly the areas my clients requested. Sometimes it helped. Sometimes it didn’t. I even had clients who came weekly, and although their symptoms improved after each session, the same issues would return again and again.

That’s when I began shifting my perspective. I stopped chasing symptoms and started observing patterns. I stopped pushing and started listening. And everything changed.

One recent experience reminded me why this change matters. During an interview with a potential new therapist, I volunteered to receive a short treatment. They were confident, talked a lot about their knowledge, and claimed experience working with physios and Olympians. But during the session — especially when they worked on my jaw (TMJ area) — the pressure was so intense that it caused pain. About 30 minutes after the treatment, I began to feel ear pain. That kind of aggressive technique may seem impressive, but to me, it was a clear example of how forceful touch can do more harm than good.

Not a Spa: What I Actually Do

Let me be clear: Nagomi Wellness is not a spa.

Our focus is therapeutic — not superficial. We provide treatments that support the nervous system, fascia, and true healing. For most of our therapies, there’s no oil, no undressing, and no scripted routine. Instead, we work gently and precisely to help your body feel safe enough to release and reset.

That said, we do offer Kaizen Remedial Massage for those who prefer a more traditional massage experience. This treatment can include oil and undressing, based on the client’s comfort and preference. It’s ideal for those who enjoy structured sessions with deeper physical touch — yet still delivered with care and intention.

Understanding Fascia and the Nervous System (Schleip, 2003; Stecco et al., 2007)

Your fascia is more than just a soft tissue layer — it’s a body-wide web filled with nerve endings. In fact, fascia has 6 to 10 times more sensory nerves than muscles do.

Every time we apply touch to the fascia, we are sending messages directly to the brain. If the pressure is too intense, the body goes into protection mode. But when the touch is gentle and intentional, the body feels safe. The parasympathetic nervous system activates. Healing begins.

Why Strong Pressure Can Backfire (Yahia et al., 1993; Findley, 2009; Langevin & Sherman, 2007)

Many people believe they need to "feel" the work. But strong pressure isn’t always effective. In fact, it can be counterproductive. If the body perceives pressure as a threat, it tightens up more. Even worse, repeated trauma to muscle fibers requires repair — and that repair process includes collagen. Over time, too much collagen can create adhesions in the fascia, leading to even more restriction.

So yes, trigger point therapy can help. But if it’s not gentle, it’s too strong. That’s my rule now.

Seitai & MLD: Working with the Body, Not Against It (Findley, 2009; Schleip, 2003)

The two treatments I now recommend to nearly everyone are Seitai Remedial Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

These methods don’t force your muscles to change. They help your nervous system rewire, gently guiding your body back into alignment. It’s not about breaking knots. It’s about releasing patterns held deep within your system.

Both treatments:

• Require no oil

• Don’t involve undressing

• Avoid painful pressure

• Focus on calm, passive movement and nervous system activation

And most importantly: they help your body heal by itself.

What You Can Expect at Nagomi Wellness

When you visit me, I won’t push your body to the edge. I’ll work with your body where it is. We’ll use gentle techniques that may feel subtle in the moment — but they create lasting change. You may walk out feeling lighter, more balanced, calmer. Over time, you may notice your posture improves, your pain fades, and your body starts doing what it’s meant to do: heal.

Final Thoughts — Healing Happens in Safety

If you’ve ever felt like massage only helps you temporarily, or like you need to "feel the pain" to get results, I encourage you to explore something different.

Your body doesn’t need more force.

It needs more safety. More awareness. More permission to relax.

That’s what I aim to offer every time I work with someone.

This is your body — one of the most important assets you’ve had since birth. You have the right to choose what feels best for your body and your mind. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to offer what I’ve learned, and hopefully help more people find a gentler, more sustainable path to healing.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for trusting me.