The human body contains 11 major organ systems. Massage can manipulate these systems in differing ways, based on the needs of the individual.
My goal is to change peoples views on massage. We need to stop viewing massage as a luxury and only getting one as a treat. It does SO much more for us than relaxes our minds for 60 minutes. As I started learning about the many unheard of benefits of massage, I knew I wanted to become a therapist so I can help people heal and educate them on the importance of getting one frequently. Here are the many benefits massage therapy has on each of our systems:
Circulatory System
Increasing blood flow
Increasing oxygen
increasing nutrients
increasing red blood cells
reducing heart rate
lowering blood pressure
Endocrine System
balancing mood
controlling stress levels
reducing cravings
inspiring relaxation
reducing pain
fulfilling the basic need for human touch
rebalancing the hormonal system
increasing desire
Digestive System
releasing tension in the abdominal muscles
releasing tension in the intestinal muscles
reducing bloat, gas and cramps
relieving indigestion
improving digestion by stimulating peristalsis
releasing digestive enzymes
relieving constipation
assisting with waste elimination
stimulating liver activity
stimulating kidney activity
Integumentary System
provides overall stimulation and health of the skin
stimulates sebaceous glands, which produce sweat
improves skin condition, texture and tone
stimulates sensory receptors
enhances tissue repair
enhances healthy scar formation
soothes and sedates the body through the power of touch
opens the skin’s pores assisting with waste elimination
removes dead skin
moisturizes skin
Lymphatic System
reducing swelling
reducing inflammation
relieving sinus congestion
reducing scar tissue
stimulating circulation
rehabilitating post-injury
rehabilitating post-surgical
complementing some forms of cancer treatments
Muscular System
stimulating the circulatory system
stimulating the nervous system’s sensory neurons
enhancing cell activity
helping to facilitate waste removal in the lymph system
releasing facial constrictions
assisting in reducing connective tissue thickening
providing flexibility
decreasing fibrous adhesions from muscle tissue injury or immobilization
enhancing range of motion
increasing tone
rehabilitating post-operatively
warming-up or warming-down muscles exercise
relaxation
enhancing posture and balance
assisting muscle tone
facilitating movement
releasing facial constrictions
increasing flexibility
managing pain
Nervous System
decreasing heart rate
lowering blood pressure
constricting pupils
stimulating blood flow
regulating digestion
reducing inflammation
enhancing release of endorphins
regulating mood
influencing dopamine to control movement and elicit emotional responses such as pleasure and pain
stimulating the senses (touch, hear, smell, see, and feel)
assisting digestive movement and secretions
assisting body functioning, such as respiration, perspiration, and body temperature
Reproductive System
promotes general breast health
promotes relaxation
reduces blood pressure
loosens lower back muscles
assists prostrate treatments
reduces menstrual cramps
provides feeling of wellness
Respiratory System
deepens massage
improves lung capacity
relaxes tight, stiff or spastic muscles
reduce respiration rate
increasing blood circulation
increasing pulmonary functioning
promote expansion and contraction of the diaphragm muscles
deepens the breathing pattern releasing tension in the chest cavity
relieves lung congestion
stimulates blood flow
lower the respiratory rate
Skeletal System
improves posture
facilitates body alignment
improves stiff joints
reduces inflammation
increases range of motion
relaxes tight muscles and tendons
improves soreness and fatigue
increases flexibility
reduces the number of and intensity of muscle spasms
improves muscle tone
facilitates mineral retention
Urinary System
aids in increasing urinary output
reduces fluid retention
stimulates the digestive system
promotes better elimination of wastes
increases the efficiency of the liver
increases the efficiency of the kidneys
assists toxins stored in the muscles to be released
