Does Massage affect the body as a whole?

Massage benefits the whole body. These are some examples of the benefits of massage on the systems of the body.

• Integumentary System (skin, hair, nails, etc.)
  Stimulates sensory receptors in the skin; increases superficial circulation; removes dead skin; adds moisture while applying oil or lotion and increases sebaceous gland excretions.
• Connective Tissue (fascia)
  Improves the pliability of the fascia (the layers of connective tissue that infuse and surround cells, nerves, muscles, bones and organs throughout the body) and separates tissues.
• Circulatory System
  Increases local circulation; enhances venous return and reduces blood pressure and heart rate with regular relaxation massage.
• Muscular System
  “Milks” metabolic waste into the venous and lymph flow; relaxes the muscles (general and specific) and relieves myofascial trigger points.
• Nervous System
  Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (ie: relaxation); reduces pain (neural-gating mechanism) and increases body awareness.
• Endocrine System
  Stimulates the release of endorphins, thereby reducing the sensation of pain.
• Immune System
  Increases the lymphatic flow and improves the immune function via stress reduction.
• Digestive System
  Increases the movement of the contents of the Large Intestines and promotes better digestion with relaxation.
• Mental Effects
  Increases mental clarity.
• Emotional Effects
  Reduces anxiety and promotes general feelings of well-being and the release of unexpressed emotions

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