Health Benefits of Massage - Services
Health Benefits of Massage
Physiologic Benefits - Increases enhanced metabolism, hastens healing, relaxes muscles, relieves spasms; increases circulation by mechanically moving body fluids - lymph, blood, liver,gall bladder and digestive juices.
Effective pain managment for arthritis, neurititis, neuralgia, sciatica, labor and delivery of child birth, headaches and fibromyalgia
Psychological Effects - Calms and stimulates the nervous system (depending on factors)
Relieves fatique
Reduces anxiety and tension by decreasing norepinephrine and cortisol (stress hormones)
Relaxes the entire body and promotes a feeling of well-being
Decreases depression by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels (neurochemicals)
Effects of the Nervous System - The effects of massage on the nervous system depend on the direct and reflex reaction of the nerves stimulated. The nervous system can be stimulated or soothed depending on the type of massage movement applied.
Effects on the Muscular System - Encourages the nutrition and development of the musculatory system by stimulating its circulation, nerve supply and cell activity. Regular and systematic massage causes the muscles to become firmer and more elastic. Massage is also an effective means of relaxing tense muscles and releasing muscle spasms. Massage aids in the removal of metabolic waste prodcuts and helps nourish tissues. Massage prevents and relieves stiffness and soreness of muscles. Muscles fatiqued by work or exercise will be more quickly restored by massage than by passive rest of the same duration. Muscle tissue that has suffered injury heals more quickly with less connective tissue build-up and scarring when therapeutic massage is applied regularly. Massage can have positive effects on the range of motion of limbs that have a limited range due to tissue injury, inflammation, muscle tension, or strain.
Effects on the Circulatory System - Massage affects the quality and quantity of blood coursing the circulatory system. With the increased flow of blood to the massaged area, improved cellular nutrition and elimination are favored. The work of the heart is lessened due to the improvement in surface circulation. Under the influence of massage, the blood-making process is improved, resulting in an increase in the number of red and white blood cells. Pressure against the vessels not only tones their musculary walls but also propels the movement of the blood.
