Gateway Manual/Guide Book Flashcards
What is massage?
Ancient healing art. Described as manipulation (manual or mechanical) of soft body tissue and muscles for therapeutic purposes
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Integumentary System
-Increases blood flow, replenishes skin with oxygen and nutrients
-Regenerates tissue
-Improves elasticity of skin
-Improves skin tone by exfoliating
-Improves condition of skin
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Skeletal System
-Reduces joint strain & compression
-Improves nutrition to joints
-Increases range of joint movement
-Improves posture & alignment
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Muscular System
-Reduces pain, inflammation, swelling
-Increases flexibility and range of movement
-Improves muscle tone
-Reduces formation of adhesions
-Relieves muscle cramps, spasms, tension and soreness
-Increases blood flow, replenishes muscles with oxygen and nutrients
-Accelerates physical healing
-Prevents muscular atrophy
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Nervous System
-Stimulating or sedative effect (depending on massage variety)
-reduces nervous tension- assists with pain relief
-relaxes muscles, helps establish proper tone via effect on neuromuscular pathways
-Affects neurotransmitters in the brain
-Helps balance the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system
-improves transmission of nerve impulses
-Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (helps body renew and repair)
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Respiratory System
-Helps body restore and heal the respiratory system- decongestive action
-Normalises breathing pattern via relaxation and release of tension in rib/intercostal area
-Encourages deep breathing
-Regulates respiration
-Increases action of the heart, stimulating blood flow to and from the lungs- assists gaseous exchange
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Lymphatic System
-Increases the circulation of lymph
-Stimulates immune system via increased production of lymphocytes
-reduces oedema (swelling)
-removes lactic acid from sore muscles- speeds recovery
-assists drainage of lymph from nodes (improves removal of toxins, helps cleanse the body)
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Endocrine System
-Produces endorphins
-Produces oxytocin
-Reduces adrenaline
-Balances the body and homeostasis regulating hormones
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Circulatory System
-Increases blood flow, replenishes skin with oxygen and nutrients
-Increases number of red blood cells
-Lowers blood pressure
-Reduces heart rate
-Improves venous and lymphatic flow
-Reduces swelling
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Digestive System
-Improves metabolism, aids absorption, reduces cramps or spasms
-Assists normal movement/functions alimentary canal
-Facilitates peristalsis movement, speeds elimination and reduces toxicity
-stimulates parasympathetic nervous system- aids digestion
-stimulates kidney and liver activity
Name 2 benefits of massage for the Urinary System
-Improves elimination of urine
-Cleanses body of toxins, waste, debris via increased kidney function
Name 3 benefits of massage for the Reproductive System
-Balances release of reproductive hormones
-Reduces depression and anxiety, improves relaxation
-aids birth preparation
Name 3 benefits of massage for Psychological Health
-Reduces stress
-Aids relaxation
-Helps with depression and anxiety
-Improves sleep
-Healing power of touch
-Improves energy levels
-Increases vitality
-Renews, relaxes, restores, replenishes
Name 3 reasons for using lubricants
-Prevents stretching loose, fragile, or mature skin
-Reduces friction between therapist’s hands and client
-Prevents dragging and pulling of hairy skin
-Improves gliding motions
-Nourishes dry skin
-Increases client comfort
Name 3 types of massage lubricant mediums
-Vegetable oils (grape seed, olive, almond, wheat germ, avocado, coconut)
-Waxes (semi-solid until warmed)
-Powder (talc)
