| Physiological
benefits
|
Psychological
benefits
|
| Muscles
|
When
muscles are massaged, the alternate pressure and relaxation on each
muscle fibre causes increased circulation. This in turn enhances both
cellular nutrition and the elimination of toxins and waste products.
Muscles will be kept in tone; elasticity and flexibility will increase.
Tense muscles can be relaxed helping to correct postural problems.
|
Relaxation
|
Massage
will relax the body thereby reducing tension and the effects of stress.
Massage will also relax the mind thereby reducing anxiety and its
effects.
|
| Bones
and Joints
|
Pressure
against the periosteum (a sheath surrounding the bone) stimulates blood
circulation. This feeds and nourishes the bone and also the joints of
the neighbouring area. Regular massage will maintain and increase the
mobility of joints, and certain manipulations can help to prevent
adhesions and stiffness in joints thus enabling their full range of
movements.
|
Soothing
|
The
soothing effects of massage will generally make the client feel better,
and generally enhances the 'feel good' factor. Scientific theories for
why this works involve the release of endorphins in the brain, but the
fact that this does work has been known for many centuries.
|
| Circulatory
and Lymphatic Systems
|
Massage
movements dramatically increase the rate of blood flow which is rich in
oxygen and other nutrients vital for growth and repair. Effleurage and
kneading accelerate lymphatic circulation which remove toxins, waste
products and impurities from the body, which helps the healing process.
|
Insomnia
|
Insomnia,
which is the inability to sleep during a period when sleep should
normally occur, is thought to be due to a disruption of the body's
circadian rhythm. Massage, which relaxes the body and mind, and also
helps the body to reach homeostasis can lead to a dramatic improvement
in this condition.
|
| Skin
|
Massage
stimulates the secretary glands to produce more sebum making the skin
softer, more supple and increasing it's resistance to infection. The top
layer of skin cells can be rubbed off causing its functions of
absorption and protection to be more effective. A general improvement in
skin condition will result by allowing effective tissue respiration.
|
Depression
and Anxiety
|
A
number of clinical researches have shown that massage has a positive
effect on brain activity in depressed teenagers. More specifically, it
has been shown that massage decreases the EEG asymmetry in the brain
which is correlated to depression and anxiety. Post natal depression has
also been shown to be aided by massage.
|
| Tissue
|
Fatty
globules or deposits (adipose tissue) can be mobilised by the
application of massage and spread over a larger area, aiding absorption
by the lymphatic system. Furthermore, the increased blood circulation
caused by massage will also aid the absorption of fat, and the increased
metabolism of the tissues will help to burn it up.
|
Stress
|
One
of the main benefits of massage is that it helps to balance the effects
of stress in our lives and thus relieve the symptoms caused by stress
such as tension headaches. It also reduces anxiety levels and restores a
calm mind and feeling of well-being. Many companies are now realising
the benefits of massage within the work environment.
|
| Nerves
|
Slow
rhythmic movements such as effleurage have a soothing effect on nerves
which in turn promote relaxation and other psychological benefits.
Vigorous movements such as vibrations, frictions and percussions have a
stimulating effect making you feel invigorated. Pressure on nerves can
also temporarily relieve pain.
|
Self
Esteem
|
In
the long term, regular massage will make your body more efficient, and
this in turn will have the psychological effect of improving your body
image and self esteem.
|
| Other
|
The
long term physiological effects of massage can include a lowering of
blood pressure, an increase in blood cell count, relief from insomnia,
and a balancing of the digestive system.
|
Increased
Energy Levels
|
Because
less energy is spent holding the body in a state of tension and strain
(both physical and mental), your general energy levels will be higher.
Increased energy will also result from invigorating all of the body
systems and reducing fatigue.
|
