Articles of Interest
The Benefits of Massage
- The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement used in massage can dramatically increase the circulation of blood and lymph flow.
- Massage causes stimulation of nerve receptors which causes the blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate, facilitating blood flow.
- Massage can increase the oxygen capacity of the blood by 10-15%.
- Massage can help loosen contracted, shortened muscles and can stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. This "balancing" can aid posture and promote more efficient movement.
- Massage does not directly increase muscle strength, but it can speed recovery from the fatigue that occurs after exercise. In this way, it is possible to do more exercise and training, which in the long run strengthens muscles and improves conditioning.
- Massage also provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the muscles and many other parts of the body, which helps keep these tissues elastic.
- Massage increases the body's secretions and excretions; this suggests that the metabolic rate (the utilization of absorbed material by the body's cells) is directly increased as a result of massage.
- Massage balances the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed by the individual at the time of the massage.
- Massage enhances skin condition. Massage directly improves the function of the sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands which keep the skin lubricated and clean. Tough, inflexible skin can become softer and more supple.
- Massage affects internal organs by indirectly or directly stimulating nerves that support them, blood vessels of these organs dilate and allow greater blood supply to reach them.
- Massage acts to disperse the accumulated by-products of muscle action that irritate muscles and nerve endings. Lactic and carbonic acids build up in muscle tissue shortly after exercise begins. These acids are waste products that contribute to the pain and occasional cramping that exercisers, athletes, dancers, etc. suffer during and/or after workouts. These acids are formed when the glycogen stored in the liver and muscles is burned to produce the energy expended during exercise. The acids must eventually be reconverted to glycogen and stored again, or drained out via the lymph and circulatory systems. Massage can help eliminate the irritation caused by these wastes, thus increasing muscle recovery rates.
- Joints are critical to exercise because joints are manipulated by the muscles to produce movement. All joints are complicated, and their parts have a way of settling and stiffening when not used creating a numbed feeling in the joints that discourages exercise. A massage therapist counteracts this by using massage strokes and passive movement to release the muscle tension and free the connective tissue that can bind the joints.
- Massage also aids recovery from soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. This is possible because the growth and repair of tissue are accelerated by efficient circulation in the injured areas and appropriate stimulation of the healing tissues. Many soft tissue injuries are not serious enough to cause one to visit a doctor or hospital for treatment, but still cause some discomfort and disability. Massage therapy can often help speed and improve recovery and reduce discomfort from such mishaps.
- Massage has a definite psychological effect by loosening muscle tension (the physical counterpart to how we defend and protect ourselves from psychological pain) which can lead to the freeing of repressed emotions.
- Users of massage therapy as a healing tool quickly realize that they have found a form of drugless therapy. Headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders including constipation, arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and minor aches and pains are some of the problems that can respond to massage therapy.
The massage therapist will likely use a high quality oil or lotion, but if you have an allergic response you should let the massage therapist know. Some massage therapists offer to play music during a session, others may feel it is distracting. It is best not to have eaten just before a session. Your massage therapist can answer any other questions you may have.
To enjoy the benefits of massage which have been discussed, it is best to receive a therapeutic massage from a practitioner who has blended a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and massage technique with a sensitive, powerful touch and the healing sense.
