REDUCING STRESS AND TENSION
When we experience sustained stress in our daily lives, our brain responds in a manner known as "fight or flight". This signals our sympathetic nervous system, which is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. Muscles tighten in our neck, shoulders and back, blood vessels constrict, our eyes dilate, large amounts of energy are expended as the adrenal glands excrete hormones. When this process continues for a long time, you feel "stressed out"! Massage breaks this tension by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system (the body's way of conserving and restoring energy). Touch helps our body and mind to refocus and relax. Squeezing, stretching and kneading releases tight muscles and natural endorphins. This results in decreased pain, decreased heart rate and a sense of calm.
IMPROVES MENTAL RESPONSE AND ALERTNESS
ASSISTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
When the body is invaded by foreign cells or substances, the immune response is triggered. The body dramatically increases its production of T-cells and B-cells, our first line of defense. The lymphatic system, with its vast network of lymph nodes, vessels and capillaries, is also a major part of our immune system. It circulates lymph fluid throughout the body and its organs, makes contact with these foreign substances and toxins, and assists in killing them. The lymphatic system flows in part because of the contraction of skeletal muscles that compress lymph vessels and push the fluid through the body. Massage can be of significant value when normal muscle function has been lost. Massage promotes lymphatic flow through the milking and squeezing of skin and muscle tissue; mimicking muscle movement. Inhalation and exhalation also enhance the flow of the lymphatic system. Massaging the upper body releases tight respiratory muscles, facilitating more movement throughout the chest cavity and increasing lymph flow.