|
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Skeletal System
1. Maintains posture and body balance.
2. Reduces muscular tension that may eventually cause structural problems.
3. Increases the flow of nutrients to the bones.
4. Promotes elimination of waste matter.
5. Increases flexibility and strength of joints.
Muscular System
1. Relaxes muscle spasm and relieves muscle tension.
2. Increases the supply of blood and nutrients to the muscles.
3. Helps to eliminate waste matter from muscles (especially lactic acid).
4. Helps restore tone to flaccid muscles and partially compensates for lack
of exercise and inactivity because of illness or injury.
5. Eliminates or prevents muscle adhesions and scar tissue resulting form injury.
6. Stretches connective tissue and reduces the danger of fibrosis.
Circulatory System
1.Dilates blood vessels, improves blood circulation and relieves congestion of fluids.
2. Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body.
3. Eases the strain on the heart by helping to return blood to vital organs,
especially in cases of forced inactivity due to illness or injury.
4. Pushes lymph through the body thereby acting as a "mechanical cleanser",
strengthening the immune system and hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.
5. Increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.
6. Helps reduce certain types of swelling
Nervous System
1. Either sedates or stimulates the nervous system, depending on pacing and techniques used.
2. By balancing the nervous system, massage affects all systems of the body.
3. Can free nerves impinged by muscle or connective tissue.
4. Creates reflex effects from the stimulation of sensory receptors of the skin
and subcutaneous tissues.
Respiratory System
1. Improves breathing patterns.
2. Aids in relief of many long term respiratory difficulties such as asthma and bronchitis.
Digestive System
1. Improves the function of the liver.
2. Acts as a mechanical cleanser, pushing out waste products, particularly
in those who suffer from constipation.
3. Relieves spastic colon.
Urinary System
1. Massage can affect the elimination of fluids in problems of swelling in the body.
2. Massage increases urine production by enhancing the excretion of fluids, waste products
of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorus and salt in normal individuals.
Cellular Metabolism
1. Increases the permeability of cell membranes, enhancing absorption and increasing
tissue metabolism.
2. Encourages the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur necessary for tissue repair
in persons convalescing from bone fractures.
3. Stimulates endorphin production - chemically similar to and 5 -10 times stronger than morphine.
4. Massage has NO effect either on generalized obesity or on local deposits of fat.
Integumentary System
1. Nourishes the skin by application of special lubricants.\
2. Stimulates circulation in the skin and helps remove dry, scaly skin.
The American Massage Therapy Association presents the benefits of massage therapy as they affect physical, emotional and mental health.
Physical Benefits
1. Deep Relaxation and Stress Reductions.
2. Relief of Muscle Tension and Stiffness.
3. Reduced Muscle Spasms.
4. Greater Joint Flexability and Range of Motion.
5. Increased Efficiency of Movement.
6. Reduced Blood Pressure.
7. Improved Posture.
8. Strengthened Immune System.
9. Disease Prevention Health Maintenance.
Emotional Benefits
1. Enhanced Self Image.
2.. Reduced Levels of Anxiety.
3. Increased Awareness of the Mind/Body Connection.
4. Grater Ease of Emotional Expression
Mental Benefits
1. Relaxed State of Alertness.
2. Reduced Mental Stress (A Calmer Mind).
3. Greater Ability to Monitor and Respond to Stress Signals.
4. Increased Capacity for Clearer Thinking. |
