Why does petting a dog or cat make you feel calm? The relationship between the parasympathetic nervous system and relaxation
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read

Have you ever felt naturally calmed when petting a dog or cat? You might think it's just your imagination, but research has proven that petting a dog or cat actually activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Touch stimulates the brain to feel at ease, calming your heart rate and blood pressure, and putting your body into a relaxed state.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system is divided into the "sympathetic nervous system (active mode)" and the "parasympathetic nervous system (rest mode)," and the balance between these has a significant impact on physical condition, mood, and quality of sleep. When the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, functions such as relaxation, promotion of digestion and absorption, and recovery from fatigue are enhanced.
Petting a dog or cat is soothing because it switches on this parasympathetic nervous system.
How to relax without animals
Even if you don't have a pet, you can still activate the parasympathetic nervous system through massage, head spa, dry head spa , etc. By loosening muscles and promoting blood flow, your brain and body switch to a relaxed state, which can also help alleviate eye strain, headaches, insomnia, and other symptoms.
A head care experience unique to YUE
"YUE Head Acupuncture Massage" offers not only relaxation but also full-fledged care .
Experience deep relaxation with a head massage and dry head spa
Acupuncture by nationally certified practitioners addresses the autonomic nervous system, headaches, eye strain, and insomnia
A hairdresser will set your hair to help you look perfect after the treatment.
Our unique strength is that we not only provide relaxation but also care for the inside and outside of your body at the same time .
summary
Balancing the parasympathetic nervous system is directly linked to both physical and mental health and beauty. Just like petting a dog or cat, everyone has a "healing switch."
If you are looking for a head spa, dry head spa, head massage, or acupuncture near Nihonbashi or Tokyo Station, be sure to come to YUE to reset your mind and body.
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