effects of massage

The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system controls all of the involuntary activity in your body. That is, every action that is carried out automatically without your awareness, such as sweating, the beating of your heart and of course, the stress response. The autonomic nervous system is split into two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated when we are exposed to any stressful stimuli, which causes physiological changes in our body, for example an increase in heart rate, airway expansion and mobilisation of the bodies’ energy stores. Epinephrine, a stress hormone, is secreted into the blood stream, when the SNS is activated, triggering the suppression of any processes that do not directly target the stress, like digestion and reproduction. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) characterises relaxation, and is active whenever the sympathetic nervous system is turned off. Functions of this system include regulating the normal processes of the body, such as digestion, respiration, and nutrient storage (Sapolsky, 2004).
Massage works to relax the body, by activating the PNS and suppressing the SNS. The holds at the start of each massage are extremely important, as the initial physical contact can produce a stress response, which is overcome as the client becomes accustomed to the therapist during the hold. This is the first step in prohibiting the SNS. In addition, massage reduces anxiety, relaxes the muscles and mind, and decreases levels of the major stress hormones in the blood. The reduction in these stress hormones means that little or no threatening signals are being sent to the brain. The PSN also increases the perception field of the client, so they are better able to judge impending decisions (Salvo, 2003).

The effects of massage strokes
Touch/holding is a good way to start the massage as it lets your client get accustomed to your touch. Once they are used to your touch they will begin to unwind, and therefore will be relaxed and ready for the massage. The gliding stokes of effleurage warm and extends body tissues, which prepare them for deeper strokes. Effleurage also has an effect on the nervous system, calming it if done slowly, and stimulating it if performed at a more rapid pace. Furthermore, this gliding stroke is effective at moving blood and lymph throughout the body, and aids in flushing out metabolic waste from congested areas. In addition, effleurage soothes any tired muscles, or any areas that are sore, or have been deeply massaged. Effleurage is also a great stroke to use when transitioning between two areas of the body. Like effleurage, petrissage is another technique that flushes waste material out of bodily tissues, and increases blood and oxygen flow back into the tissue, which improves cellular nutrition. Moreover, petrissage is a useful way to relieve any swelling or fatigue in the body, and also helps reduce any soreness or stiffness of the muscles. One particular form of petrissage, known as skin rolling, breaks up any fascia build up, which in turn improves circulation of fluids around the body and encourages the release of endorphins. Unlike the rhythmic patterns of effleurage and petrissage, compression is about applying pressure that is focused on certain points, although, like the others, it helps move fluids about the body, and relieve pain. Like the previous three methods, tapotment can be used to relieve pain, and also increases blood flow. However tapotment should not be done straight after exercise, or for a prolonged period of time as it can cause muscles to cramp up. In addition, this is a good technique for mobilising phlegm if the client is feeling congested, as tapotment to the back of the chest loosens any built up mucous. Another procedure for decongestion and enhanced circulation, is vibration. Vibration also stimulates the nerves and muscle spindles, which aids in pain relief and muscle relaxation. Of course, all strokes enhance the relaxation of the client (Salvo, 2003).

Other effects of massage
Massage has a number of positive effects on several parts of the body. Deep strokes enlarge blood vessels, which in turn improves blood flow, aids in moving venous blood flow to the heart, and decreases blood pressure. An increase in blood flow has many benefits, such as amplifying the amount and efficiency of oxygen and nutrients that are distributed to the cells, tissues and muscles of the body, quickening the removal of metabolic wastes, and improving the skins condition. Because of the increased nutrient and oxygen enrichment of the muscles, muscle fatigue and soreness is decreased. This along with the direct pressure of massage, relieves any tightness and restrictiveness in the muscle, resulting in the reduction of muscular tension. This reduction in tension improves the muscles range of motion, the bodies balance and posture, and also motor skills. Another benefit of massage is an increase in lymph flow and lymphocyte count, as a result of widening of the vessels, which improves immune functioning. The body is also more efficient at removing waste from the immune system and transporting white blood cells round the body. Connective tissue is also improved via massage, as massage decreases excess scar tissue and adhesion formation, promoting typical movement of muscles and joints. Deep massage also activates fibroblasts, causing connective tissue to stimulate collagen production, which strengthens new tissue. Sleep patterns of massage clients are likely to improve, as delta wave activity increases during massage. This promotes deeper sleep, and a more rested feeling on waking. The long gliding strokes of effleurage also help relieve insomnia. The digestion process is stimulated during massage (due to the activation of the PNS), promoting the movement of bowel contents through the colon, which will help with constipation and relieving any colic or intestinal gas. Relaxation also minimises pain, as the pressure from massage interferes with pain signals, therefore temporarily breaking the pain cycle. Massage also stimulates the secretion of pain reducing neurochemicals, namely endorphins. These counteract with pain signals, and so stop the brain receiving information from areas of the body that are sore. There are positive effects on mood and concentration as a result of massage. Stress and negativity are reduced, which improves concentration, academic ability, self esteem, energy and general mood. Accordingly, anxiety, depression, aggression, and anger are all subdued. Lastly, satiety and bonding are enhanced through massage. Satiety is a sense of satisfaction that can be reached with massage. There is also a bond built between the client and therapist as the client must trust the therapist to be able to completely relax, to get the total benefits of the massage. Massage increases bonding due to increased relaxation, mood and decreased stress. (Salvo, 2003).

References

Salvo, S. G. (2003). Massage therapy: Principles and practise. Missouri, USA: Saunders Publishing.
Sapolsky, R. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers. New York, USA: Holt Paperbacks

My name is Kate Mathewson, I'm from Darfield (about a half hour drive inland from Chch) but have been flatting in Dunedin for the last 3 years. I play social netball with my friends and flatmates, and also enjoy shopping, watching movies and listening to music. I like massage because its an awesome way to relax, and I wanted to learn a skill I can use around the world as I would like to travel after I have graduated.