Health Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

This system can receive many benefits from massage. Studies have shown that the stress relief from receiving regular massage can lower a person's risk of arteriosclerosis, decreasing blood pressure, often by ten percent or greater. Circulation of the blood itself can be tripled during massage, especially for the return rate of carbon dioxide charged venous blood. Massage has a dilating effect on the blood veins and capillaries and a stimulating effect on the vaso-motor nerves which help move blood through the veins. For those with heart trouble, this kind of assistance to the work of the heart can be highly beneficial if massage is received regularly. Improved circulation increases the amount of oxygen reaching the cells, speeding maintenance and repair of the tissues in the body and aiding healing and the fighting of infection. The increase in flow can also help renew the blood, increasing the availability of fresh red and white blood cells.

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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

All aspects of the digestive system can benefit from massage. Jaw tension can be reduced by massaging the muscles of the jaw, neck and scalp, aiding chewing and swallowing functions. Massage of the abdominal organs can improve their functioning. Soothing physical stimulation to the liver and gall bladder can assist their maintenance, decreasing toxification and increasing efficiency. The muscles of the stomach and the esophagus can have their tone improved through massage, increasing the capacity of these organs to operate. And by stimulating the supporting muscles and tissues which suspend and hold the digestive organs within the abdomen, massage can contribute to the overall integrity of the digestive system.

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ELIMINATIVE SYSTEM

Massage can benefit the regulation and evacuation function of the eliminative systems. Colon stimulation through the abdomen can soothe an area where many people store a complex array of stresses and tensions. The function and tone of the colon muscles can be improved through massage, increasing their ability to move waste products. Additionally, proper colon stroking can itself contribute to waste product movement and stimulate the operation of the rectum, helping decrease constipation. The release of tensions in these areas can greatly assist with overall emotional integration and physical well-being.
Massage can stimulate the kidneys as well, improving their tone and support, assisting their regulative action. Perineal stimulation can eliminate urination dysfunction by allowing the release of emotional tension from the area.

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INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM (SKIN)

The skin receives the massage and transmits the work to deeper levels of the body. Our skin wants to be touched in a soothing, caring manner by others, and lack of touch can have detrimental results on overall health. The use of oil in a massage is often beneficial in restoring moisture and nourishment to the skin. The physical beauty of the skin and complexion can be increased through massage by stimulating the capillaries and nerves, and by increasing the flow from the oil and sweat glands and assisting their function. The tone of the skin can be improved, softening it and allowing a radiant glow of health. The skin reflects and reveals the overall health of the entire body, and since massage can be instrumental in improving the health of all the body's systems, this physical integrity will manifest itself through vibrant skin. Wrinkles in the face and elsewhere, can be alleviated with regular massage. The skin contains nerve centers that connect with the brain's pleasure center, contributing to an overall feeling of well-being. The healing of some skin disorders, as well as cuts and wounds, can be assisted by stimulating circulation and nervous functioning in the surrounding areas.

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LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Massage can triple the circulation within the lymphatic system. Lymphatic fluid does not receive the direct pumping action of the heart which moves blood through the body. For this reason massage can be especially beneficial in moving lymphatic fluids, which makes an essential contribution to the overall well-being of the person. Stimulation of the lymph nodes can improve their capacity to produce lymphocytes and assist with the regulation of their production. Stimulation along lymphatic channels can increase lymphatic circulation, improving the exchange between the blood and the lymphatic system. This can, in turn, contribute directly to an improvement of the functioning of the person's immune system, helping defeat infection and decrease toxification.

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MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Massage can significantly assist muscle recovery following exercise and speed the rate of healing for injuries. Deep massage strokes can boost the blood supply to the muscles by up to 85 percent and increase the flow of lymph fluids, resulting in greater nourishment of the muscles with the improved oxygen supply and aiding in the removal of waste products. Stiffness and soreness can be eliminated by the clearing of lactic acid, massage having an analgesic effect on the muscles. By contributing to a greater vascularity in the muscles, massage can produce better muscle tone, improve elasticity and increase strength. Muscle tone and shape is also helped by the movement of fat deposits within and around the muscles. Atrophied muscles, following serious injury, can be strengthened and assisted in their return to normal size and function.
Treatment of the muscular system with massage can also improve posture, aiding the overall structural integrity of the body as well as increasing the possible range of motion in the joints.

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NERVOUS SYSTEM

Massage can have enormously beneficial effects on a person's nervous system. Lethargic nerves can be awakened and sharpened through invigorating massage techniques. Conversely, a soothing massage acts as a balm to tense nerves, physically calming them, which can effect vast changes throughout the emotional, intellectual and physical realms. Tense nerves can be a symptom of an attempt to avoid integrating difficult memories or current responsibilities. A soothing massage can provide a container where these difficulties, burdening the nervous system and transmitted to common areas like the shoulders or the abdomen, become physically released and comfortably accepted in the presence of nurturing touch. The acceptance of the therapist's touch can assist a person's capacity to trust others, which can soothe the nerves. This may encourage the person to increase the willingness to feel his or her own body, awakening the full potential of his or her nervous system in its feeling function. The nerves can actually receive new programming, old habits of relating to the body can be changed. Massage can also allow a fuller functioning of the brain as tension is relaxed and thinking can proceed in a less cramped space, resulting in greater mental clarity.

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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The diaphragm, which is the essential muscle involved in respiration, can receive numerous beneficial results from massage. Many people carry tension in their diaphragm, described in the Yogic tradition as the link between the physical and spiritual realms of being. Release of this tension is a gradual, progressive process. Massage can help a person become more conscious of the diaphragm, teach a person to feel his or her own diaphragm, and therefore be reminded to use it. By learning to breathe actively with this muscle, respiration can improve radically, ending the oxygen fast to which so many people unknowingly subject themselves due to stress. Additionally, as the person learns to breathe deeply, using the diaphragm more and the rib muscles less for the action of inhalation, respiration efficiency is increased.
Several respiratory disorders, most notably asthma, can be alleviated with massage.

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SKELETAL SYSTEM

Studies have shown that the placement and position of bones within the skeletal system can be realigned in their proper position for optimal functioning through massage. Individual bones can actually have their shape gradually changed to an ideal or improved form. Bones have many similarities with the softer tissues in the body, and like them, the overall health of bones can be improved through stimulation such as massage. This in turn can improve the health of the blood which is manufactured in the marrow of the bones. The increase in the health and tone of the connective tissues and musculature through treatment with massage can encourage superior skeletal carriage and the proper placement of individual bones. The treatment of the joints by a therapist can also improve the flexibility and integrity of the connective tissues themselves, helping to prevent future injuries.

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