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

Lymphatic System

• reduces lymphedema
• strengthens the immune system by increasing presence and activity of natural killer T cells (Field, T. et al., 1992)

Nervous and Endocrine System

• 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

Muscular System

• 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

Connective Tissue

• frees fascial restrictions
• increases range of motion and mobility
• reduces adhesions
• can resolve scar tissue

Respiration

• 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)

Digestion and Elimination

• 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

Urinary and Excretory

• 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

Psychological Effects

• 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