The E ffects of Massage on Body Systems

1. Week 1 – Massage A Tutor: Eleshia Howell The Effects of Massage on Body Systems

2. Physiological – Mechanical (direct physical contact) - Reflex (indirect through nerve and energy pathways) Psychological The benefits of massage are the results of the basic physical effects massage provides.

3. Short Term • Improves skin tone and colour by increasing circulation and removing dead skin cells • Encourages better circulation thus improving more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients • Encourages more effective and relaxed breathing • Encourages better lymphatic drainage • Relieves muscle fatigue, soreness and stiffness • Hastens healing Physiological

4. Promotes general relaxation • Encourages sleep • Speeds digestion and elimination • Stimulates or sedates nervous system, depending on the type of massage techniques applied

5. Long Term • Improves circulation • Improves skin elasticity • Boosts immunity • Improves muscle suppleness • Improves neural communication and relaxes the nervous system • Promotes deeper & more effective respiration • Relieves insomnia • Lowers blood pressure

6. Short Term • Relaxes the body, decreases tension and stress • Relaxes the mind & decreases anxiety • Soothes & comforts, provides nurturing touch • Increases positive feelings & lifts emotions • Increases energy by invigorating all the body systems, thereby decreasing fatigue. Psychological

7. Long Term • Promotes sustained relaxation of body & mind • Improves body awareness, image & general self-esteem • Increases energy levels by decreasing overall body tension

8. Circulatory Massage improves the circulation of the blood throughout the body, thus improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients to all cells, tissues and organs. It helps to remove metabolic wastes from the body and can be beneficial in decreasing blood pressure. Benefits to body systems...

9. Digestion Massage aids in relaxing the abdominal and intestinal muscles and improves functioning of the digestive system. Massage stimulates the liver and kidneys, and helps to alleviate constipation by increasing peristalsis, and helping to release intestinal gases.

10. Lymphatics Massage helps to increase the circulation of lymph, therefore aiding elimination of metabolic wastes and stimulating the immune system. Massage can also alleviate fluid retention (oedema).

11. Skin Massage increases the supply of blood to the skin, nourishing the tissue of the skin. It improves skin tone, helps to firm facial muscles and helps to keep the sebaceous glands functioning normally.

12. Muscles Apart from releasing tension, stiffness, muscle fatigue and soreness, massage can improve the range of motion and flexibility of the limb or body region and helps to improve the tone of the muscle(s). This in turn, improves their function and performance. Massage also strengthens connective tissue, improving the effects of healing and tissue generation and releasing restrictions.

13. Nervous System Massage reduces stress, anxiety and nervous tension. The relaxation effect is caused by the release of “happy” hormones, which also improve sleep patterns, decreases perception of pain and encourages optimal balance within the body (homeostasis).

14. Wellbeing Regular massage improves mood, body image, self esteem and awareness of self. It can improve personal communication and self expression, as well as promote healthy lifestyle habits. Physical wellbeing is enhanced, on many levels, and positive, healthy touch can help to overcome aversions or sensitivities to touch.

15. To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear~Buddha