Benefits of Massage Flashcards
Massage techniques
What are some Physiological effects of massage? (7)
Relaxation, Pain Relief, Improved Circulation, Increased Flexibility, Improved Immune Function, Reduced Anxiety and Depression, Improved Sleep
Relaxation
- lowers cortisol levels
- increase serotonin and dpamine
Pain Relief
- increases blood flow to the affected area which aids in healing process and reduces inflammation
- releases endorphins (natural painkillers)
Improved circulation
- improves blood and lyphatic circulation
- transports nutrients and oxygen to the bodys tissues and organs
Improved immune function
- boosts immune system
- increases production of white blood cells and improves lymphatic flow
Increased flexibility
- increase range of motion
- reduces muscle tension and increases joint mobility
reduced anxiety and depression
- lowers symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing production of stress hormones
what are the effects of massage therapy on muscular system? (6)
1.increased blood flow
- reduces inflammation, removes waste and promotes healing
2. reduced tension
3. improved fexibility
4. reduced scar tissue
5. enhanced recovery
6. improved posture
improved sleep
promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension
two parts of nervous system
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
CNS
- brain and spinal cord
PNS
- autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
- cranial and spinal nerves (somatic motor neurons and sensory neurons)
Stimulating massage techniques (3)
- friction: (light rubbing, rolling and wringing) stimulate nerves
- percussion (light tapping and slapping): increases nervous irritability
- vibration (shaking and trembling): stimulates peripheral nerves
Sedative effect of massage techniques (3)
- gentle gliding produces calming and sedative
- light friction and kneading movements
- holding pressure (ischemic compression)–desensitizes the point and releases reflex cycle
Autonomic Nervous System
- regulates bodys involuntary functions (HR, digestion and breathing)
- divided into sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympatheic nervous system (rest and digest)
ANS in massage
- balances SNS and PNS
- reduces SNS leads to reduction in stress
- stimulates PNS
- affects release of hormones like oxytocin (love hormone)
- helps immune system better function
- increase activity of white blood cells
Effect of Massage on Neurotransmitters
- increases serotonin (happy and wellbeing) and dopamine (pleasure and reward)
- reduces norepinephrine (stress and anxiety)
- increases GABA (regulates activity of nerve cells in the brain)– increases relaxation
what are neurotransmitters
chemicals in the brain and nerbous system that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other
- play role in mood regulation, pain perception adn muscle movement
Massage on Pain
- reduces arthritis, fibromyalgia and sports injuries
- increases blood flow to affected area (reduces inflammation)
- reduce muscle tension
- stimulate endorphins (natural painkillers)
what does the circulatory system do?
- deliver oxygen and nutrients to the bodys tissues and organs
- remove waste products and CO2
- consists of blood vessells, heart and blood
how does massage help circulatory system
- increases blood flow
- lowers blood pressure
- imrpoves function of lymphatic system
- increases production of red blood cells
how does massage help psychologically?
- reduces stress and anxiety
- reduce cortisol (stress hormone)
- promotes relaxation
- improves sleep
- imrpoves quality of life for those with chronic pain
- promotes connection (touch therapy)
