 | 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
| esp. 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
|
|
