Benefits of Massage:

Integumentary System

Aids in vitality and elasticity of skin
Aids in elimination of dead cells
Sends messages to the brain through sensory receptors in skin to aid in relaxation of entire body
Through this system, trust is established if healing is to take place both physically and psychologically.
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Skeleton System

Increases blood circulation which nourishes skeletal cells.
Improves muscular balance and thus skeleton alignment (over contracted muscles can pull bones out of alignment).
Exercises joints through range of motion. Joints are nourished by joint fluid which is moved and circulated by massage.
Can aid circulation in area of fracture without producing motion in the fragments. Also aids in healing of surrounding affected tissue.
Can be first step in process of postural awareness (less energy used to maintain efficient posture).
Can prevent adhesions from forming and can break down adhesions. These adhesions can form between ligaments and bones, can alter a joint and limit range of motion.
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Circulatory System

Causes contractions of the heart to be more forceful and complete.
Stimulates blood through the heart faster, thereby getting blood and nutrients to cells faster.
Improves general circulation, as blood passes more rapidly through tissue being massaged.
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Nervous System

Brings about invigorating effects to the entire nervous system due to improved circulation and nutrition.
Releases spasms of tissue surrounding the spinal cord which can take the strain off of nerves.
Can relax or stimulate nerves, depending on the type of treatment.
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Muscular System

Increases blood and nutrition without adding to the load of lactic acid (lactic acid forms in muscles as a result of muscular activity and too much can result in muscular fatigue and/or cramps).
Actually decreases lactic acid, causing muscles fatigued by this to be restored sooner.
Can cause relaxation of voluntary muscles.
Can break up adhesions and scar tissue.
Relaxes muscle spasms (sudden involuntary muscle contractions) and relieves tension in the muscles.
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Digestive System

Improves tone of large and small intestines.
Stimulates peristalsis, which can aid in relief of constipation and/or diarrhea.
Encourages deeper breathing and a more complete breath through relaxing effect of massage.
Has stimulating effect on digestive organs, which helps improve digestion.
Improves mixing actions.
By stimulating small intestines, can aid in absorption of fat.
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Respiratory System

Encourages deeper breathing and a more complete breath through relaxing effect of massage.
Can loosen intercostal muscles and free rib cage to allow greater chest expansion -- thereby deeper breathing -- thereby more oxygen to all cells.
Can release congestion and aid in lowering blood pressure.
Generates heat to raise temperature and respiratory rate.
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Lymphatic System

Aids in reducing edema.
Assists flow of lymph throughout the body, thereby assisting the immune system to prevent disease.
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