The Effects of Massage on the Human Body

Most people think massage is merely a luxury designed to relax the muscles while giving the recipient time to relax and take a nap. Massage is actually an art form and a science, each movement impacting every single functional system within your body.

Massage has a number of well-known, or at least well-advertised, effects on the body. You've probably already heard that massage can help to rid you of back pain, alleviate the symptoms of anxiety or depression, and even cure headaches. While these are incredible benefits, the impact massage has on the rest of the body is well worth considering.

Let's begin by taking a look at the cardiovascular system. During a massage your body will experience a series of involuntary reactions, one of which is the dilation of blood vessels. This dilation encourages increased blood circulation, which in turn aids in lowering your blood pressure. Low blood pressure is a common after-effect of massage therapy, and can sometimes last for up to an hour after a massage.

The respiratory system, controlling your ability to breathe, can experience great benefits from massage as well. We tend to forget that there are a number of muscles that actually have a strong impact on our ability to breathe. Take, for example, the diaphragm and intercostals. The diaphragm is that long muscle that lies right under the front of your ribcage and the intercostals are the small muscles between each rib. If these muscles constrict, or tighten, your rib cage will not be able to expand, thus limiting the amount of air your lungs can take in. The better your ability to inhale and exhale, the easier it is for your body to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

Even though our massage therapists are touching our skin, we tend to focus on the impact massage is having on our muscles. The skin itself receives a number of benefits, too. For example, the increased circulation caused by massage allows the body to bring fresh blood flow to the skin. Your blood contains a number of nutrients that will aid in the enhancement of your skin tone and texture. Massage also stimulates the function of your oil glands, allowing your body's natural oils to come to the surface, which in turn eliminates dryness.

Don't forget about the muscles. Massage does more than simply make them feel "good" or "relaxed." Increased circulation helps to bring blood flow to the muscles, which in turn reduces tightness and the occurrence of muscle spasms. Massage aids in muscle recovery, which means that those who work out or participate in sports will not be sore for as long as they would have been without a massage.

This is obviously not a comprehensive list of benefits that massage has on the body, but hopefully it gives you a better understanding of exactly how massage works. While it's certainly possible to visit a therapist for a relaxing "fluff and buff" type massage, just know that massage is a scientifically proven method used to in the treatment of a number of ailments. Ask your doctor or massage therapist for more information concerning the benefits of massage on your personal health!