Why massage is good for your health

Psychological effects of massage:

• Relaxation of body and mind, therefore reducing tension, anxiety and stress.

• Improvement in persons self-esteem.

• Increase in energy and positive lift to emotions and feelings.

 

Physiological effects of massage:

• Dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and congestion throughout the body.

• Acts as a cleanser, stimulating the lymph circulation and accelerating the elimination of waste and toxins.

• Relaxes muscles and relieves tension.

• Increases blood supply and nutrition to muscles.

• Improves muscle tone

• Helps return venous blood to the heart therefore easing the strain.

• Improves circulation and nutrition of joints, lessening inflammation and swelling of joints therefore alleviating pain. 

​

 

Also virtually every system of the body is effected by massage, either directly or indirectly.

​

The skeletal system: Bone is affected indirectly by massage. Improved circulation of blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the bones. Joint stiffness and pain can be reduced. As the muscles become more flexible, joint movement increases.

 

The muscular system: Muscles are toned by massage, which stimulates their reflexes and redistributes their tension. This enables them to contract efficiently and increase coordination in movement.  Massage is good preparation for exercise and promotes better recovery.

 

The nervous system: Soothing massage can provide relief from nervous irritability and stress-related conditions such as insomnia and tension headaches. When used energetically to stimulate, massage may relieve lethargy and fatigue.

 

Circulation system: Massage can improve the flow of blood, which can help poor circulation. This is especially useful for anyone who is immobile.

 

Lymphatic system: Gentle massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps clear the body of a build-up of waste products. The relaxing effect of the massage can relieve stress, which in turn can boost the immune system.

 

Respiratory system: Massage movements eliminate tension in the chest, shoulders and abdomen to allow for full breathing.  This will help relax the chest to avoid tightness which is often associated with anxiety issues.

 

Digestive system: Massage aids relaxation and therefore can help to increase the movement of food and waste products through the digestive system. This relaxation can have a balancing effect on the digestive system.

 

Urinary system: Waste products that have been released during massage find their way via the blood to the kidneys where they may be filtered out and eliminated.

 

Female reproductive system: Menstrual problems such as period pains and PMS can be alleviated by the relaxing effects of massage, as can menopausal symptoms