Effects and Benefits of Massage
Massage has direct psychological and physiological brenefits. Physically,
massage increases metabolism, hastens healing, relaxes and refreshes the muscles, and improves the detoxifying functions of
the lymphatic system. Massage helps to prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms and improves circulation of blood
and lymph, thereby improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells as it enhances the removal of metabolic wastes.
Since blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage is beneficial in keeping the skin functioning in a normal, healthy manner.
Massage therapy is effective in pain management in conditions such as arthritis, neuritis, neuralgia, labor and delivery,
whiplash, muscular lesions, sciatica, headache, muscle spasms, and many other conditions.
Psychologically, massage relieves fatigue, reduces tensions and anxiety, calms the nervous system, and promotes a
sense of relaxation and renewed energy.
Physiological Effects of Massage
Skillfully applied massage is an effective means of influencing the structures and functions of the body. The
specific effects of any massage will vary according to the intent with which it is given, the selection of techniques used,
and the condition of the client. Depending on the type and manner of manipulation, a sense of mild relaxation, stimulation,
or refreshment may follow a massage.
There are two physical effects of massage, mechanical
and reflex, which may occur separately or together. Mechanical effects are direct physical effects of massage techniques
on the tissues they contact. Reflex effects of massage are indirect responses to touch that affect the body functions
and tissues through the nervous or energy systems of the body. Gentle stimulation the sensory nerve endings in the skin,
as in superficial stroking, results in reflex effects, either locally or in distant parts of the body. When presure
is applied to the muscles, blood, and lumph vessels, or to any internal structure, both reflex and direct mechanical effects
are experienced. Pressure on reflex points, active trigger points, and other pressure points reflexively affects functions
or areas of the body away from the actual point of contact.
The immediate effects of massaage
are noticeable on the skin. Friction and stroking movements heighten blood circulation to the skin andincrease activity
of the sweat and oil glands. Accompanying the increased flow of blood, there is a slight reddening and warming of the
skin. Nutrition ot the skin is improved. Massage treatments over a period of time impart a healthy radiance to
the skin. The skin tends to become softer, more supple, and of finer texture.
The physiological
effects of massage are not limited to the skin. The body as a whole benefits by the stimulation of muscular, glandular,
and vascular activities. Most organs of the body are favorably influenced by scientific massage treatments.
(Taken from Milady"s Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage by Mark F. Beck)
* Relieves congestion
* Relaxes and
refreshes the muscles
* Increases red blood cells temporarily
*
Improves the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic
system
* Increases lymph circulation
* Prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms
* Improves muscle tone
* Enhances the removal of metabolic wastes
* Stimulates or sedates the nervous system
* Increases nutrition to tissues
* Keeps the skin functioning in a normal, healthy way
* Helps reduce edema in the
extremities
* Reduces inflammation and swelling of joints
*
Reduces pain
* Stretches connective tissue & helps minimize
the formation of adhesions and fibroses
* Effective in pain management
* Improves digestion, metabolism, and assimilation
* Relieves scar tissue
* Reduces healing time
Psychological Effects of Massage
* Relieves stress, anxiety, and tension
* Helps rebuild a more positive self image
* Releases endorphins in the brain and promotes a
natural "high"
feeling
* Keeps a person feeling youthful
* Calms a hyperactive
or agitated person
* Makes a person more aware of where they are
holding tensions and where they have tight
muscles and pain
* Helps a person get in touch with his or her body
* Promotes relaxation
* Elevates the mood for a depressed or grieving
person
* Activates the immune system towards healing
* Improves job performance
Emotional and Spiritual Effects of Massage
*
Elevates the spirit
* Calms the worried mind
* Balances, integrates,
and connects the whole being
* Puts the person in touch with self
* Helps create a state of heightened awareness or
meditative state
* Shares intent to heal between client and therapist
* Brings hemispheres of brain
together with core
There are many possible benefits
to receiving massage from a well-trained therapist. A massage therapist must be familiar with anatomy, physiology, appropriate
massage techniques, contraindications to massage, and where his or her field of expertise ends and a referral should be made.
Massage therapy is not intended to replace medical attention and treatment. It is a complimentary healing technique
from which many people can benefit.
