Benefits of Massage
A few of the many physiological benefits of massage are:
Circulatory System
- enhanced blood circulation
- blood pressure is temporarily decreased
- number of functional red blood cells and their oxygen carrying capacity are increased
- reduces lymphedema
- strengthens the immune system by increasing presence and activity of natural killer T cells (Field, T. et al., 1992)
- inhibits pain by interfering with nociceptive (pain) information entering the spinal cord through stimulation of cutaneous thermo- and mechanoreceptors
- reduces pain by resolving myofascial trigger points
- stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and improving sleeping patterns
- mechanically stretches and broadens tissues
- relieves muscular restrictions, tightness, stiffness, and spasms
- promotes rapid disposal of waste products
- helps maintain muscles in the best possible state of nutrition flexibility, and vitality
- frees fascial restrictions
- increases range of motion and mobility
- reduces adhesions
- can resolve scar tissue
- slows the rate of respiration via reduced stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system
- by freeing tight respiratory muscles and fascia, massage can increase vital capacity and pulmonary function (Field, et al., 1998)
- promotes excitation of peristaltic activity in the large intestine, relieving colic and intestinal gas (De Domenico and Wood, 1997)
- promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion
- especially abdominal massage; increases urine output by activating dormant capillary beds and recovering lymphatic fluids for filtration
- promotes the excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride
- promotes autonomic nervous system functioning, promoting general homeostasis and increasing urine output
- reduces stress and anxiety through relaxation of body and mind
- enhances well-being and body awareness through relaxation and cutaneous stimulation and improved body image
- increases mental alertness
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