benefits_effects

Benefits and Effects of Massage

When most people think about massage, they think in terms of relaxing at a day spa. What many people don't think about are the therapeutic values of massage. There are many great benefits for each body system that massage can offer. Some are listed below by body system.

Cardiovascular System

Dilates blood vessels

Improves blood circulation

Decreases blood pressure

Creates hypermia

Stimulates release of acetylcholine and histamine for sustained vasodilation

Replenishes nutritive materials

Promotes rapid removal of waste products

Reduces ischemia

Reduces heart rate

Lowers pulse rate

Increases stroke volume

Increases red blood cell (RBC) count

Increases white blood cell (WBC) count

Increases oxygen saturation in blood

Enhances the adhesion of migrating WBC's

Increases platelet count

Lymphatic and Immune System

Promotes lymph circulation

Reduces lymphedema

Decreases the circumference of an area affected with lymphedema

Decreases weight in patients with lymphedema

Increases lymphocyte count

Increases the number and function (or cytotoxicity) of natural killer cells

Skin and Related Structures

Increases skin temperature

Improves skin condition

Stimulates sebaceous glands

Stimulates sudoriferous glands

Improves skin pathologies

Reduces superficial keloid formation

Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Reduces stress

Reduces anxiety

Promotes relaxation

Decrease beta wave activity

Increase delta wave activity

Increase in alpha waves

Increases dopamine levels

Increases serontonin levels

Reduces cortisol levels

Reduces norepinephrine levels

Reduces epinephrine levels

Reduces feelings of depression

Decreases pain

Reduces analgesic use

Activates sensory receptors

Faster and more elaborate development of the hippocampal region of the brain

Increases vagal activity

Right frontal EEG activation shifted to left frontal EEG activation

Decreases H-amplitude levels during massage

Muscular System

Relieves muscle tension

Relaxes muscles

Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue

Reduces trigger point formation

Manually separates muscle fibers

Increases range of motion

Improves performance (balance and posture)

Improves motor skills

Lengthens muscles

Increases flexibility

Tones weak muscles

Reduces creatine kinase activity in the blood

Improves muscular nutrition

Decreases electromyography (EMG) readings

Connective Tissues

Reduces keloid formation

Reduces excessive scar formation

Decreases adhesion formation

Releases fascial restrictions

Increases mineral retention in bone

Promotes fracture healing

Improves connective tissue healing

Reduces surface dimpling of cellulite

Respiratory System

Reduces respiration rate

Strengthens respiratory muscles

Decreases the sensation of dyspnea

Decreases asthma attacks

Reduces laryngeal tension

Increases fluid discharge from the lungs

Improves pulmonary functions

Increased vital capacity

Increased forced vital capacity

Increases forced expiratory volume

Increased forced expiratory flow

Improved peak expiratory flow

Digestive System

Promotes evacuation of the colon

Relieves constipation

Relieves colic and intestinal gas

Stimulates digestion

Miscellaneous Effects of Massage

Increases urine output

Promotes the excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride in urine

Reduces fatigue and increases vigor

Improves sleep patterns

Reduces job related and posttraumatic stress

Improves mood

Improves self-esteem

Decreases feelings of anger

Improves body image

Promotes communication and expression

Improves lifestyle habits

Increases physical well-being

Reduces touch aversion and touch sensitivity

Increases academic performance

Increases mental alertness

Satisfies emotional needs