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 (Gialelis, 2019). 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 and tissue renewal and repair, and it is necessary for 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. allows more full expansion of the chest cavity and lungs as well as increased removal of congestion. The rate of respiration typically slows due to reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. improves the elasticity of the skin due to increased sebum production and aids the skin’s ability to resist infection through increased sweat production, resulting in the more efficient excretion of waste products through the skin. even strengthen muscles in very weak limbs incapable of voluntary movement. Massage can soothe joint pain caused by injury, inflammation, and everyday exertion by promoting increased blood flow to the affected areas. Regular massage can break down scar tissue, allowing injured muscle tissues to heal more rapidly with less scarring and thickening of connective tissue. This in turn results in increased joint mobility and range of motion. (Noonan, 2018). Massage reduces hyperactivity of the nervous system, lowering the level of electrochemical noise and encouraging better organ and organ system integration. As might be expected, faster and firmer movements and techniques are used in sports massage as stimulation prior to a competition. While most pre-event massage is for stretching muscles and increasing blood flow, soothing massage may also contribute to optimal performance by relaxing a stressed-out competitor. Be alert to client sensitivity, as some deep tissue work that provides a sense
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. Effects of massage on the respiratory system Lung capacity and breathing can be greatly improved through massage of the chest, shoulders and back. Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing tightness in the respiratory muscles. Reduced tension Effects of massage on the integumentary system Massage improves the condition and appearance of the skin, since the increased blood flow results in better delivery of nutrients to the cells and encourages cell regeneration. The effects of vasodilation improve skin color, giving us the “rosy glow” associated with good health. Massage also Effects of massage on the musculoskeletal system One of the most common reasons for getting a massage is relief from muscle tension. Massage releases built-up tension in the muscle through increasing both the blood flow into the area and the removal of toxins and wastes out of the area. Massage produces a number of desirable effects on the muscles; regular massage treatments can increase muscle firmness and elasticity, decrease inflammation, reduce fatigue and stiffness, and relieve muscle spasms and soreness. This improved muscle tone in turn reduces the amount of physical stress on bones and joints. Massage can Effects of massage on the nervous system Massage can: ● Stimulate sensory receptors (either stimulating or soothing nerves depending on the techniques used); ● Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress; and ● Reduce pain through the release of endorphins. Massage can either relax or invigorate the client, depending on their needs. Swedish massage, effleurage and other slow-stroking movements can have a sedating effect, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulating the vagus nerve to slow down the heart rate
Page 115
Book Code: MFL1225
EliteLearning.com/Massage-Therapy
Powered by FlippingBook