Health and massage

Massage affects the body as a whole. To understand how massage therapy works, it is necessary to briefly examine some of the physiological effects of massage.

 

Massage is known to increase blood circulation and lymph flow. The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement used in massage can dramatically increase the rate of blood flow. In addition, stimulation of nerve receptors causes blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate, which also facilitates blood flow.

 

A milky white liquid called lymph carries impurities and waste from the tissues and passes through spaced-out gland-like structures throughout the lymphatic system that act as filtering valves. Lymph does not circulate as blood does, so its movement largely depends on the compression effect of muscle contractions. Consequently, inactive people cannot stimulate lymphatic flow. On the other hand, the stimulation caused by vigorous activity can be overcome by the increase in waste produced by that activity. Massage can dramatically help lymph movement in any case.

 

For the whole body to be healthy, the sum of its parts, the cells, must be healthy. The individual cells of the body depend on an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids supply nutrients and oxygen and eliminate waste and toxins. Therefore, it is easy to understand why good circulation is so important to the whole body, due to its effect only on circulation.

 

Massage is also known for:

 

- Causes changes in the blood. The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% after massage.

 

- It affects the muscles of the whole body. Massage can help loosen tight and shortened muscles and can stimulate weak and limp muscles. This muscle "balance" can aid posture and promote more efficient movements. Massage does not directly increase muscle strength, but can accelerate recovery from fatigue that occurs after exercise. In this way, it may be possible to do more exercise and training, which in the long run strengthens the muscles and improves conditioning. Massage also provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support muscles and many other parts of the body, helping to keep these tissues elastic.

 

- Increases secretions and excretions from the body. There is a proven increase in the production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine after massage. There is also an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorous, and sodium chloride (salt). This suggests that the metabolic rate (the use of material absorbed by the body's cells) increases.

 

- Affects the nervous system. Massage gun balances the nervous system by calming or stimulating it, depending on the effect the individual needs at the time of the massage.

 

- Inprove skin's condition. Massage directly improves the function of the sebaceous (fat) and sweat glands that keep the skin lubricated, clean and fresh. Hard, inflexible skin can become softer and more flexible.

 

- They affect the internal organs. By indirectly stimulating the nerves that supply the internal organs, the blood vessels in these organs dilate and allow them a greater blood supply.

 

Knowing the physiological effects of massage allows a better understanding of the health benefits and physical condition of massage. What happens under the hands of massage therapists is of profound importance to those interested in health and fitness in adjusting their bodies. In every sport or form of exercise, massage can help. By helping to reduce physiological fatigue and aid recovery from the exertion of exercising or playing, massage enables better training, with longer and more effective workouts, facilitating better performance and preventing injury.