substances influenced by massage include the following neuroendocrine chemicals: Adrenaline/epinephrine and noradrenalin/ norepinephrine: Epinephrine (which is also known as adrenaline ) activates or arouses; it produces the alert response and sympathetic arousal mechanisms associated with the “fight or flight” response in the body. Abnormally high levels of epinephrine or norepinephrine may cause hypervigilance or hyperactivity and disturb REM sleep, while low levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenalin ) can leave the individual sleepy and sluggish. Massage regulates epinephrine and norepinephrine production through stimulation and inhibition of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, returning to normal or “recalibrating” the balance of these chemicals. The autonomic nervous system may respond to massage in one of two ways: Either making the person more alert or, alternatively, calm. Once massage is initiated, it takes at least 15 minutes of sustained stimulation to trigger parasympathetic function. While a brief massage will increase production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, waking an individual up, a long massage will tend to engage parasympathetic function, reducing adrenaline and noradrenalin levels in the blood, producing an overall relaxing and calming response. Glucocorticoids are stress hormones produced in the adrenal glands during extended stressful periods. These hormones are a symptom of sympathetic arousal. Cortisol and other glucocorticoids are associated with stress-related conditions and symptoms, including lowered immunity, poor sleep patterns and the function of neurotransmitters that mediate the transmission of pain impulses, affecting how an individual feels these impulses. Massage has been demonstrated to reduce levels of cortisol and alter neurotransmitter function. The body is capable of producing pain-inhibiting and opiate-like substances including dopamine and endorphins or enkephalins, chemicals that improve mood, promote feelings of satiety (fullness or satisfaction) and mediate pain. Dopamine effects motor activity, involving types of learned movement, the ability to focus and mood. Low dopamine levels are characterized by poor motor control or coordination and the inability to focus. Massage increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (Michaeli, 2016). Kecskes (2014) states that acupuncture, like deep-tissue massage, often leads to endorphin release. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that affects mood and focus, and is associated with feelings of satisfaction. It also helps regulate the sleep and waking cycle. Low serotonin is associated with depression, eating and pain disorders and obsessive- compulsive personality traits. Massage appears to increase the availability of serotonin. The overall composition of neuroendocrine chemicals changes during massage. Dopamine, serotonin and endorphin levels rise, increasing production of immune system cells, while cortisol levels fall. Massage also assists in the regulation of epinephrine and norepinephrine, and facilitates growth hormone function. Growth hormone promotes cell division, tissue renewal and repair, and is necessary to healing functions carried out primarily during sleep. Massage encourages sleep by reducing the level of cortisol and increasing the availability of growth hormone. Oxytocin is a hormone associated with attachment or bonding functions; it is active in pregnancy, delivery and lactation. Massage tends to increase levels of oxytocin.
further tissue damage and should be avoided. In less advanced cases, circulatory strokes may still be beneficial, but a physician’s approval should be obtained. Medical clearance and extreme caution is advised for massage treatment in some elderly populations, particularly if the individual has experienced recent trauma. Massage can dislodge blood clots, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, clients with signs of arteriosclerosis or unstable or high blood pressure may be unable to tolerate increased circulation. It is especially important with elderly clients to be aware of any skin discolorations and also to check whether they are taking any blood-thinning medications. Massage should either be used with great caution or not at all in clients with hemophilia, a condition associated with excessive bleeding, the inability of blood to clot and swelling of the joints. Effects of massage on the lymphatic system Massage has many positive effects on the lymphatic system. Stimulating the lymphatic system through massage increases the flow of lymph, subsequently reducing edema and increasing urinary output, relieving the body of excess fluids. Massage relieves muscle tension, creating a kind of compression throughout the system that assists in the proper drainage of lymph through the channels. Massaging above the heart with light pressure along the lymphatic routes is indicated to assist in lymphatic drainage. Encouraging the client to use deep breathing during this process can also facilitate movement of the lymph through the system. Lymphatic massage is contraindicated for anyone with a lymphatic pathology. In clients without pathology, a healthy lymphatic system can be aided by proper nutrition, exercise, adequate fluid intake and rest, in addition to regular massage. There are multiple schools of thought regarding the proper massage technique for lymphatic drainage, with the most popular approach calling for light pressure in the superficial fascial layer. Excessive pressure can cause the capillaries to close, rather than open, the objective of lymphatic massage. Effects of massage on the digestive system Massage can have beneficial effects on the digestive system because it promotes activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating digestive activity and encouraging the movement of wastes through the intestines. Massage can also help relieve pain or discomfort due to constipation, colic and/or gas. Effects of massage on the urinary system Massage increases circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues, benefiting the body by enhancing its ability to remove wastes and toxins and resulting in increased urinary output. Effects of massage on the endocrine system The endocrine system is regulated by the nervous system through the use of chemical messages that maintain an internal system of feedback and regulation coordinating all body functions. Neuroendocrine chemicals are central to this control system in that they carry messages that regulate physiologic processes. A neuroendocrine chemical that is in the synapse of a nerve is called a neurotransmitter , while a neuroendocrine chemical in the bloodstream is called a hormone . Our bodies produce a constantly fluctuating mix of chemicals, responding to external or internal requirements of the moment and adapting to maintain homeostasis. The specific chemical mix is associated with many aspects of mood and personality as well as characteristic ways individuals respond to stress and pain. Neuroendocrine
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