Physiological effects of body-to-body massage
Massage is a popular service in New Zealand and open-minded culture where people look for their emotional and physical well-being. However, massage has more physiological effects than you realise. Did you know that when a full body rub is done properly, it can affect every system in the body? Body-to-body massage has physiological effects on all 12 systems of the body. It might sound surprising, but the effects of massage span wide and far, from breathing, to brain functioning and even beating of the heart. Below are some of the physiological effects of body-to-body massage.
1. Reduce stress and anxiety
If you are stressed out, go for a full body rub. Massage helps reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the heart rate, thus promoting relaxation and feel-good hormones. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which releases the feel-good hormones. Massage also helps promote the feeling of relaxation by increasing the temperature of the soft tissues. When the temperature of the body is increased, muscles and other soft tissues are loosened and relaxed.
2. Relieves muscle tension
Massage is an effective treatment when it comes to decreasing muscle tension. Muscle tension can reduce blood flow to soft tissues and restrict movement. High muscle tension is known as hypertonia and can make the muscles stiff and rigid. Hypertonia can build up from physical or stress overuse. Full body rub can relieve the symptoms of increased tension by allowing the muscles to heal.
3. Enhances blood circulation
Poor blood circulation can be very discomforting causing cold hands and feet, aches, and fatigue, amongst other extremities. Massage enhances blood circulation thus bringing oxygen-rich blood to tense muscles for healing. The pressure created during massage facilitates blood circulation to congested areas. The pulling and squeezing during massage also flush lactic acid from the muscles which improve the circulation of the lymph fluid.
4. Reduces edema
Edema is a medical condition where an excessive amount of fluid accumulates under the skin. Depending on the location and severity, massage can treat or even eliminate edema. Massage helps treat edema by pushing the excess fluid from the body. Swelling, especially one triggered by blunt-force trauma, causes the fluid to collect or pool in cavities within the body. But a massage therapist can guide the fluid from its collection, thus allowing it to flush through the lymphatic system.
5. Increases number of lymphocytes
If you are prone to illness, then you might want to consider having more massage sessions to boost your immunity. Body rub is also known to promote lymphatic flow and increased circulation. This helps to move healthy nutrients in the boy and to filter metabolic waste. Massage increases the level of lymphocytes in the body which helps the immune system fight off harmful substances. Pain and stress are significant immunosuppressors. And because massage relieves pain and reduces stress, it undoubtedly increases the number of lymphocytes.
6. Stimulates sensory receptors
Body rub is the therapeutic answer to regaining balance in the nervous system. Massage stimulates the central nervous system via the peripheral nerves in the skin, thus helping the body regain balance between the two systems. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to promote the reduction of stress and relaxation. It also stimulates sensory receptors which soothe or stimulate nerves.
7. Deepens respiration and improves lung capacity
Regular massage is one of the most effective ways to improve breathing. By relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles, massage can improve the respiratory system. Massage breaks down adhesions in the muscles, which takes the body away from the state of stress to a state of relaxation. And when the body is fully relaxed, it expands the lungs to full capacity allowing you to breathe deeper. Massage can also slow down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
8. Aids in skin regeneration
Full body rub also can increase blood flow in the skin which reduces toxins from building up. Regular massage can act as a form of exfoliation, which can help to reduce the build-up of dead skin cells. Massage also can improve skin color and elasticity. This is possible when the right massage oil and technique are used leaving the skin hydrated, nourished, and smooth.
Conclusion
To sum things up, hopefully, this article enlightens you on some of the benefits of full-body rub massage. What's next? It’s time you start having more massage sessions.
1. Reduce stress and anxiety
If you are stressed out, go for a full body rub. Massage helps reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the heart rate, thus promoting relaxation and feel-good hormones. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which releases the feel-good hormones. Massage also helps promote the feeling of relaxation by increasing the temperature of the soft tissues. When the temperature of the body is increased, muscles and other soft tissues are loosened and relaxed.
2. Relieves muscle tension
Massage is an effective treatment when it comes to decreasing muscle tension. Muscle tension can reduce blood flow to soft tissues and restrict movement. High muscle tension is known as hypertonia and can make the muscles stiff and rigid. Hypertonia can build up from physical or stress overuse. Full body rub can relieve the symptoms of increased tension by allowing the muscles to heal.
3. Enhances blood circulation
Poor blood circulation can be very discomforting causing cold hands and feet, aches, and fatigue, amongst other extremities. Massage enhances blood circulation thus bringing oxygen-rich blood to tense muscles for healing. The pressure created during massage facilitates blood circulation to congested areas. The pulling and squeezing during massage also flush lactic acid from the muscles which improve the circulation of the lymph fluid.
4. Reduces edema
Edema is a medical condition where an excessive amount of fluid accumulates under the skin. Depending on the location and severity, massage can treat or even eliminate edema. Massage helps treat edema by pushing the excess fluid from the body. Swelling, especially one triggered by blunt-force trauma, causes the fluid to collect or pool in cavities within the body. But a massage therapist can guide the fluid from its collection, thus allowing it to flush through the lymphatic system.
5. Increases number of lymphocytes
If you are prone to illness, then you might want to consider having more massage sessions to boost your immunity. Body rub is also known to promote lymphatic flow and increased circulation. This helps to move healthy nutrients in the boy and to filter metabolic waste. Massage increases the level of lymphocytes in the body which helps the immune system fight off harmful substances. Pain and stress are significant immunosuppressors. And because massage relieves pain and reduces stress, it undoubtedly increases the number of lymphocytes.
6. Stimulates sensory receptors
Body rub is the therapeutic answer to regaining balance in the nervous system. Massage stimulates the central nervous system via the peripheral nerves in the skin, thus helping the body regain balance between the two systems. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to promote the reduction of stress and relaxation. It also stimulates sensory receptors which soothe or stimulate nerves.
7. Deepens respiration and improves lung capacity
Regular massage is one of the most effective ways to improve breathing. By relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles, massage can improve the respiratory system. Massage breaks down adhesions in the muscles, which takes the body away from the state of stress to a state of relaxation. And when the body is fully relaxed, it expands the lungs to full capacity allowing you to breathe deeper. Massage can also slow down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
8. Aids in skin regeneration
Full body rub also can increase blood flow in the skin which reduces toxins from building up. Regular massage can act as a form of exfoliation, which can help to reduce the build-up of dead skin cells. Massage also can improve skin color and elasticity. This is possible when the right massage oil and technique are used leaving the skin hydrated, nourished, and smooth.
Conclusion
To sum things up, hopefully, this article enlightens you on some of the benefits of full-body rub massage. What's next? It’s time you start having more massage sessions.
