Massage therapy offers numerous benefits, not only the muscular system but all systems.
Effects on the Muscular System
- Massage increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and tension.
- Relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
- Relieves back and shoulder related pain.
- Promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle.
- Increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
- Improves Metabolism.
- Lower the blood pressure.
Effects on the Lymphatic System
- Helps to reduce oedema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system
- Regular massage may help to strengthen the immune system, due to the increase in white blood cells.
Effects on the Respiratory System
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing.
- Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.
- Slows down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Promotes quality sleep.
Effects on the Nervous System
- Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
- Release of Endorphins – Amino acid that work as the body’s natural painkiller, also known as ” Happy Hormone”.
- Alleviates headaches.
Effects on the Skin
- Improved circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration.
- Increased production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin.
- Vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries helping to improve the skin’s colour.
- Improved elasticity of the skin.Increased sebum production, helping to improve the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection.
Effect on the Digestive System
- Massage can help to increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas.
- Promote the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.
The Psychological Effects
- Encourages relaxation.
- Alleviates stress , both mind and body.
- Alleviates anxiety and depression.
- Allows for better handling of pressure.
- Create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem.
- Enhances calm and creative thinking.