Benefits of Massage

 

 

 Physiological Effects of Massage

Blood contains life supporting elements for the body tissues, including: nutrients, oxygen, water, antibodies and red & white blood cells. It is transported via the cardiovascular system to all bodily tissues. Lymph is the leftover fluid from the exchange between blood and tissue. The lymph system drains, cleans and filters the excess fluid and returns it to the blood stream, it also transports fat from the digestive system to the blood stream. It aids in immunity by disabling and disposing of foreign matter. Together these systems feed, immunize and cleanse the body. Increasing blood circulation and lymph flow is beneficial to all systems of the body contributing to overall health. Studies have shown that massage increases circulation of blood and lymph.  

 

 

When the body responds to a situation in which it feels threatened it assumes the “fight or flight” response. The body tenses, breathing gets shallow, blood pressure increases and adrenaline output increases. At the same time the blood flows to the extremities, digestive system and immune system. Once the danger passes the body returns to its natural state.

 

When a person’s level of stress is constantly high it is as if the danger never passes. Their body gets stuck in the stress response “ready for anything” state. This is unhealthy for the body and can lead to pain and contribute to disease.

 

Therapeutic massage is an effective antidote to stress. It reverses the “fight or flight” response by releasing muscular tension while increasing circulation. The body becomes more aware of itself and more capable of responding to tension before it becomes chronic.