How massage affects the nervous system?
Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and proprioceptive receptors of the skin (and underlying tissues.) Massage helps to balance the autonomic nervous system. … Massage can reduce nerve root compression (caused by muscle tension). Massage can be quite effective in treating and reducing pain conditions.
How does massage affect the parasympathetic nervous system?
The other is the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the body down for repair processes, like digestion and rest. … It stimulates the central nervous system via the peripheral nerves in the skin. This stimulates the autonomic nervous system. Regaining balance between the two systems is what massage therapy does.
What are the physiological effects of massage?
Massage relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms, and restrictions in the muscle tissue. It increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation. It increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
How does massage affect the respiratory system?
This, in turn, benefits your lungs and muscles in which aid in slowing your breathing, promoting relaxation. Some benefits of massage and your respiratory system are: …Massage helps relieve congestion in your lungs. Massage increases the actions of your heart, which stimulates blood flow to and from your lungs.
What effect does massage have on the digestive system?
Stimulates peristalsis, which can aid in the relief of constipation and/or diarrhea; Has a stimulating effect on the digestive organs, which helps improve digestion; Improves mixing actions; By stimulating the small intestines, massage can aid in the absorption of fat.
What effect does massage have on the urinary system?
Blood flows and waste is filtered through this system of arteries, capillaries, heart, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, spleen, urinary system, and veins. Massage can impact the circulatory system by increasing blood flow. increasing oxygen.
How can the parasympathetic nervous system be improved?
- Breathe from your diaphragm. …
- Combine diaphragm breathing with mindfulness—the practice of calmly resting your attention on whatever is happening in the present moment. …
- Use imagery to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
The human body is amazingly aware of the change and responds via the Nervous System, which has the ability to activate millions of appropriate chemical reactions in order to establish homeostasis or balance in your body.
The Nervous System which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves and their minute nerve endings, works hand in hand with the Endocrine System which regulates all the functions of the entire body by releasing hormones, or chemicals that produce the desired physical response in our bodies in order to achieve homeostasis.
Research has shown that therapeutic massage stimulates the nervous system to produce hormones that have a tremendous benefit on the entire body while at the same time reduces unwanted or out-of-balance levels of chemicals that can have a detrimental effect on us.
Dopamine-the happy hormone
For instance, many may be aware of the biochemical substance called dopamine, which influences mood in terms of inspiration, joy, and enthusiasm. Low levels of dopamine can result in clumsiness, inability to focus, and a lack of motor control. Massage increases the available levels of dopamine and explains the pleasure and satisfaction experienced during and after a massage.
Serotonin-the calming hormone
Serotonin regulates mood in terms of appropriate emotions and has a calming effect, reducing irritability and a number of different cravings. A low serotonin level has been implicated in depression, eating, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Massage seems to increase the level of available serotonin, producing an overall sense of calm.
Endorphins-the body’s pain reliever
Endorphins are produced by the body to reduce pain and give an overall sense of well-being. Again massage increases the available levels of these natural chemicals and can promote healing, reduce swelling, and speed recovery.
Cortisol-fight or flight hormone.
Cortisol is a stress hormone used to arouse the senses in the face of danger or opposition. High levels of cortisol have been linked to many stress-related symptoms and illnesses including sleep deprivation, anxiety, inflammation, and aggression. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, returning the body and mind to a more balanced state. Many people who suffer from anxiety and depression, report that massage has an extremely beneficial impact on their state of well-being.
An Ancient Answer to Modern Illnesses
There is a good reason why massage has been used for thousands of years by tribes and cultures the world over. It is because it really does promote health and well-being. Not only do people feel better after a massage but massage can accelerate the recovery from a number of illnesses. While massage practitioners do not claim that massage can heal every disease or problem, it could be argued that massage can be used effectively as a complementary treatment for many modern-day ills.
It is only in recent years that science has been able to understand some of the reasons why massage is so beneficial to its recipients, but the stimulation of natural chemicals in our bodies to support our overall sense of physical and mental well being provides a strong case to consider remedial massage as part of your regular body maintenance program.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.
