Massage creates two effects on the circulatory and lymphatic system: mechanical and reflexive. “Mechanical effects are the direct physical effects of the massage techniques on the tissues being manipulated. Reflexive effects are indirect responses to touch that affect body functions and tissues throughout the nervous or energy systems of the body” (Milady’s, page 248, 1988).
The overall mechanical effects of massage:
*Assists the heart by “pushing” blood back to the heart
*Assists the lymphatic system by pushing lymph back to the heart
*Creates a rise and fall in pressure, toning vessel walls
*Supports delivery and pick up of substances on its way from and to the heart by temporarily increasing blood flow to an area
The overall reflexive effects of massage:
*Affects the nervous system because vaso-motor nerves respond to massage by relaxing or constricting vessels to direct blood flow
*Indirectly affects organs via the nervous system
*Creates a temporary increase in blood in an area. This provides the opportunity for greatest exchange of nutrients and waste products, which greatly supports tissue.
The overall effects of massage:
*Increases systems functioning
*Increases range of motion
*Prevents disease and injury
*Decreases feelings of anxiety and stress and their effects on the body
*Increases feelings of well being
*Increases body awareness
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Susan Clingman, RMT, A Healing Experience Massage, 5031 S. Federal Blvd., Suite 3, Englewood, CO 80110, (303) 726-2575; susanmclingman@comcast.net; www.ahealingexperiencemassage.com
To read articles and information about massage, modalities and health/medical issues, please visit: http://www.ahealingexperienceco.massagetherapy.com
Massage Therapy Englewood Colorado
