Here’s Why Your Stomach Growls During a Massage

22 Jul 2025

min read

So, you're mid-massage, lying face down, eyes closed, totally blissed out, and then… grrrggglll. Yep. Your stomach decides this is the time to speak up.

First of all: totally normal. Happens all the time. In fact, at Aescape, we’ve learned that it’s practically a soundtrack to relaxation. Our massage experiences are designed to ease your whole body into calm, which includes, surprisingly, your digestive system.

And no, it doesn't mean you're hungry (though hey, maybe lunch was a while ago).

What’s Actually Going On in There?

Your stomach growls during a massage because your body is shifting from “fight or flight” mode into “rest and digest” mode. That’s your parasympathetic nervous system kicking in, and it’s a good sign.

When you’re stressed or busy (which… when are we not?), digestion gets put on the back burner. But once your body starts to relax (like during our calming Aescape session) that system wakes up again. And those little rumbles? That’s digestion coming back online. Think of it as your body saying, “Whew. I can breathe now.”

Okay, But Why So Loud?

The sounds come from your intestines moving air and fluid around. It’s like your digestive tract is doing yoga; stretching, flowing, and realigning. Sometimes it’s a soft little gurgle, and other times it’s, well… a dramatic solo performance.

A few other reasons your stomach might be chatty during a massage:

You're super hydrated (yay!), but water sloshing in your belly = noise.
You’re finally still. All that background movement that usually muffles these sounds are now gone.
You skipped a meal, or you're digesting one. Either way, your gut has thoughts.

Should I Be Embarrassed?

Not even a little. It’s actually a great sign—your body is shifting into relaxation mode. And at Aescape, there's no need to feel self-conscious. Our massage experience is totally solo and fully self-guided, so it’s just you, your breath, and a robot that’s quietly doing its thing. No pressure. No awkward small talk.

So if your stomach growls? Take it as a compliment. You're doing relaxation right.

Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!