Did you know that massage affects every system in your body? It's pretty incredible! From your heart and fingertips to your brain and lungs, massage has far-reaching benefits.
One common question I get is, "Which systems in the body are affected by massage therapy?" The answer is: all of them.
Today, let's look at the nervous system.
The nervous system is a complex network that relays messages between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. It includes the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), which work together to interpret sensory information and coordinate physical actions. Massage has numerous benefits for the nervous system, including:
General relaxation response, helping reduce strain by decreasing heart rate and nerve activity.
Pain reduction, through the stimulation of the nervous system’s pain relief mechanisms.
Increased parasympathetic response, which can improve sleep quality and help with insomnia.
Reduction of fascial and muscle tension, easing nerve impingements and improving nerve function.
Support for musculoskeletal conditions, like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other muscle tone disorders.
Decreased time in sympathetic overdrive, reducing stress-induced effects like elevated cortisol levels.
Massage, particularly techniques like Swedish massage, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and restful sleep. It can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and the symptoms of depression, enhancing overall mental well-being.
Massage is also effective for alleviating headaches and migraines by releasing tension in the neck and shoulders, which are often underlying causes of these conditions. Regular sessions can help prevent the recurrence of headaches, improving posture and muscle tension.
Additionally, massage therapy promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. These contribute to reduced pain and feelings of relaxation and happiness, making massage beneficial for chronic pain sufferers or anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being.
What Happens to the Nervous System During Massage?
Massage has a calming, balancing effect on the nervous system. When applied, sensory receptors in the skin and muscles are stimulated, sending messages through the spinal cord to the brain. This activates the parasympathetic system, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stress.
The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "fight or flight" response, is activated during stress, raising heart rate and blood pressure. Massage counters this by triggering the parasympathetic response, helping the body return to a state of calm.
While the effectiveness of massage on stress can be difficult to measure due to individual experiences, its positive physiological effects are undeniable.
The Nervous System & Massage
Massage therapists are skilled at treating neuromuscular issues, as muscles and nerves are closely interconnected. The effects of massage on the nervous system are complex and multifaceted, including:
Muscle relaxation
Vasodilation (dilating blood vessels)
Changes in blood flow
Psychological benefits like emotional regulation
Psychoneuroimmunologic effects, such as altering hormone levels and improving immune function
Improved sleep patterns
Pain relief through the pain-spasm-pain cycle interruption
Reduced nerve pressure, by relaxing muscles and promoting blood flow, reducing pain-triggering chemicals
Endorphin release, acting as natural painkillers
The effects of massage therapy are cumulative. Although a massage every now and then is still beneficial, I highly recommend monthly massage for the best benefit. Keep yourself feeling good so that you can do more, enjoy more, and be there at 100% for yourself and those around you.
Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from you.
Steffie Ellis, LMBT7685 NCBTMB-AP1014
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