Therapeuric Massage

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“People get massages for a variety of reasons (Sutherland). According to the 2007

National Health Interview Survey, a comprehensive survey was conducted and approximately 18 million U.S. adults indicated that they had received a massage (Sherman, Ezzo and Khalsa). It showed that people use massages for a variety of reasons. “Most

people have some pain that they want to relieve but some come in for general maintenance or for relaxation” (Sutherland). Mr. Sutherland indicated that the most common reason[pic 6]

2 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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that people get massage is for pain. He further stated that the lower back, upper back shoulder and neck pain are the biggest complaints. Second, people get massages to relax. Someone might say, “I so stressed, I need to relax!” In other words, they are saying that they need a massage! Third, someone might get a massage to detoxify. The body can be detoxified by getting a good massage (Sutherland). Fourth, you can improve your athletic performance by receiving a massage. Massage helps athletes to improve their game, specifically the Sports Massage. Thai Massage is also recommended to improve performance because it includes using a lot of stretching, which keeps persons limber and helps to avoid injury. Last, getting a massage helps to recover from illness by stimulating the immune system (Sutherland). Lastly, persons get a massage as to aid general wellness.

Getting a Therapeutic Massage has many physiological effects on the body.

Massage has specific effects on the different organs systems of the body. It helps by keeping the organ tissues healthy and enhances healing to improve the function of the system as a whole (Chambers).

The body has eleven (11) major organ systems that make up the organic processes of the body, i.e. tissue, cellular or organ system. Consequently, massage can improve the circulatory, lymphatic and cardio-vascular systems by enhancing the quality and quantity of blood coursing through the systems. The circulatory system transports nutrients, gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, hormones and wastes through the body (Capri). The lymphatic system on the hand removes fat and excess fluids from the blood (Capri). Furthermore, cellular nutrition is boosted, while toxins are eliminated in the massaged area (Rasch). According to Rasch, “Massage yields amazing benefits to your circulatory

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system.” Massage helps to lessen the works of the heart which is due to the improvement in surface circulations. In addition, nutrition in the tissues is enhanced via an increased exchange of fluids and materials. Therefore, blood vessels are dilated, which in turn helps to improve circulation (Rasch). To add, massage also helps to increase the elimination of waste products from your metabolism and increase the number of red and white blood cells platelets in your circulation. Additionally, massage has an overall effect of lowering blood pressure, reduce pulse rate, facilitate tissue healing, increase tissue fluid and assist lymphatic circulation, resulting in reduced swelling while improving your immune system (Rasch). Venous and Lymphatic flow is increased because most of the massage movements are directed towards the heart, then back toward the heart and other organs. Also, massage helps to reduce oedema i.e. excessive fluid in tissue; it assists your body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. Also, Therapeutic massage reduces Ischeamia or a reduction of blood flow to body parts. Friction-type movements speed up the flow of blood flowing through superficial veins, by increasing the permeability of

capillaries, stimulating the flow of blood through deeper arteries and veins. The capillaries produce increase interstitial fluid which creates a better environment for cells (Rasch). Massage also has a powerful effect on the diaphragm, which serves as a pump (J. H. Kellogg).

Furthermore, massage can specifically benefit your muscular system. The muscular system functions by providing movement. “Muscles work in pairs to move limbs and provide the organism with mobility” (Capri). Also, muscles control the movement of materials through other organs, such as the intestine, stomach, and the heart and circulatory system. (Capri) Massage encourages the development and nutrition of the

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Muscular System. Massage stimulates the circulation, cell activity and nerve supply of the Muscular System. Muscles become firmer, flexible, pliable and elastic because regular and systemic body massages were done. Massage increases the nutrition and blood supply to all the muscles which helps to nourish muscle tissue. It aids in preventing soreness, stiffness, chronic muscular tension and pain (Rasch). Moreover, it relaxes and lengthens your muscles thus quelling spasms and cramping. Tissue injury, muscle strain and inflammation are also reduced allowing for muscle tissue to recover quickly after an injury or exertion. More importantly, it improves motor skills (Rasch). According to J. H. Kellogg,

massage feeds the muscles without exhausting them and that the increased blood supply to the muscles naturally improves the nutrition of the muscles.

Another example of the physiological effects of massage is on the Digestive & Excretory System. The Digestive System breaks down and absorbs nutrients that are necessary for growth and maintenance (Capri). The Digestive System aids in removing all toxins and poisons found in the body. Massage helps to assists the normal movements through the digestive tract resulting in stress-releasing effects. Massage is good for the digestive tract because it increases the excretion of fluids through the kidneys and facilitates elimination through the large and small intestines by stimulating the peristalsis. Additionally, it can reduce cramping and spasm of the digestive tract and promotes activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. Massage can also relax the intestinal walls and the abdominals when they are tense and spastic. Also, massage can help to reduce nausea, prevent constipation, gas and colic and improve peristaltic action of the small intestines

and the colon (Rasch).

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