More information on the physiological and psychological benefits of massage.

In Ireland today, research has shown that approximately 75% of disease is stress related. The systems of the body (including the lymphatic, digestive systems) are stimulated and activated by massage which encourages improved circulation, aids digestion, assists with waste removal and neural communication, invigorates and relaxes muscles - thus preventing tension and stiffness and promotes cell regeneration. Overall, massage is a non-threatening, non-invasive and natural therapy that reduces stress and contributes to improved health.

What are the Physiological benefits of massage on the different systems of the body?

The Skin

Massage improves skin Colour by boosting circulation and improves skin tone by speeding up desquamation (the removal of dead skin cells).
Improves skin texture and elasticity by encouraging the production of sebum, which keeps the skin lubricated, preventing dryness.

The Muscles

Massage improves circulation, which results in quicker delivery of nutrients and oxygen to muscles as well as faster removal of waste and carbon dioxide, helping muscles to function at optimum level.
The pumping action of massage helps to remove lactic acid and toxins from the muscles reducing pain, tenderness, stiffness and fatigue.
Manipulation of the muscle relaxes and lengthens it, improving flexibility.

FAQ. What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid does accumulate when we exercise at high levels but it also plays an integral role in many of the body’s metabolic processes.
Lactic Acid is always being produced in the muscles. It is not just a lack of oxygen that causes lactic acid, it is also an absence of the ‘carrier molecules’ which transport hydrogen to the cells for use in the production of energy.
Lactic acid is usually removed from the muscle within 30 minutes after exercise. It is used by the liver, kidneys and heart as a source of energy. The liver can also convert it back into glucose ( monosaccharide sugar) where it is released into the blood stream for muscle use.
In regards to fatigue and Lactic Acid firstly there will be a decrease in energy, (increase in hydrogen reduces ATP energy by inhibiting key enzymes involved in its production). Then the muscles won’t be able to contract with as much force because the hydrogen will be competing with the calcium to attach to binding sites on the muscle. This causes pain and fatigue.
As for the pain, which is experiences 24-48 hours after strenuous exercise, it was once thought this was Lactic Acid but that has now been proven wrong. The pain is the body repairing damage that has been done to the muscle or connective tissue. This repairing stimulates sensory nerve endings, which results in pain.

The Circulatory System

Massage benefits the circulatory system by speeding up the movement of blood in the veins and arteries. Pressure is always applied towards the heart and oxygen and nutrients are delivered with more speed, waste removal is also more effective and the body functions more efficiently.
During the massage pressure is taken off the veins and arteries, the heart rate slows, the heartbeat strengthens and high blood pressure is reduced.

The Nervous System

The nervous system plays a very important role is keeping the body internally (monitoring breathing, blood pressure and digestion) and externally (relaying info to brain through five senses) balanced.
Muscular and joint restrictions may impinge upon certain nerves which contribute to the regulation and function of a certain organ (ie. in digestion).
The nervous system is greatly affected by stress and can, as a result, become hyper-active (frantic) or hypo-active (under-active). This unbalance can contribute to or create physiological conditions such as headaches or indigestion.
Massage can be very effective in balancing the nervous system and restoring homeostasis (physical balance and equilibrium). The skin and muscles contain many nerve endings and connections and the soothing, balancing and healing touch of massage is relayed by them to every part of the body, bringing relief and promoting well-being.

The Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic system works together with the circulatory system removing waste products from every inch of the body. The Lymph system, though, has no pump to help it move ‘Lymph’ around the body so massage aids tremendously by helping push lymph in the right direction, towards the lymph nodes.

Massage reduces swelling which is caused by too much fluid in cells and reduces cellulite and lumpiness.
Massage also boosts immunity by improving production and distribution of antibodies and lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
And, massage stimulates the lymph filtering process thus helping remove toxins and bacteria from the body.

The Skeletal System

Massage increases the blood circulation which nourishes skeletal cells.
It improves muscular balance and thus skeletal alignment (contracted muscles can pull bones out of alignment).
Joints are exercised through a range of motions. Joints are nourished by ‘joint fluid’, which is moved and circulated by massage.
Massage can also prevent adhesions (knots) from forming and help to break these down. These adhesion can form between ligaments and bones and can alter joints and limit range of motions.

The Digestive System

Massage can be used as an aid in preventing constipation and gas by improving the peristaltic action of the small intestines and colon. It strengths the muscular walls of the intestines and abdomen and reduces cramping or spasm in the digestive tract.
As well as helping in the digestion and elimination of foods, massage can also increase absorption of digested foods.

The Respiratory System

The relaxing effects of Massage encourage deeper breathing and a more complete breath.
Massage can, also, loosen the intercostals muscles (the muscles between the ribs) allowing greater chest expansion and help to relieve congestion in the lungs through percussive and comprehensive movements.

The Endocrine System

Massage helps to develop a restful sleep pattern, encourages the release of endorphins and sooths pre-menstrual tension. It also causes a re-balancing towards normal levels of stress related hormones (ie. Adrenlin).

On The Urinary System

Massage promotes activity of the kidneys, enhancing the removal of waste products and reducing fluid retention.

What are the psychological benefits of massage?

Massage not only has numerous physiological benefits. The psychological benefits can be just as rewarding.

Massage is a positive nurturing experience. It reduces mental stress, improves your ability to monitor stress and respond appropriately to situations.
It improves concentration, provides mental clarity, revitalises mind and enhances your capacity for calm thinking and creativity.

Massage also helps you to be more aware of where you are holding tension, feel more youthful and encourages you to pay more attention to nutrition, exercise and good health practices.

Massage also promotes better sleep and sleep patterns.