Massage affects the whole body. To understand how Massage Therapy works, some of the physical effects of massage are briefly described below.

Circulation of the blood and lymph is increased by Massage Therapy. The direct mechanical effect of applying manual pressure and movement used in massage can dramatically increase the rate of blood flow. The stimulation of nerve receptors causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow.

Lymph carries impurities and waste away from the tissues. Lymph does not circulate as the blood does. Its movement depends largely on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions that occur during massage or physical activity. Therefore, inactive people have slower lymph flow than active people. Lymph flow stimulation caused by vigorous activity increases waste removal from the tissue. Massage helps remove these wastes efficiently from the body.

Cellular health is the foundation of body health. Individual cells of the body are dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph. These fluids supply nutrients and oxygen to the cell and carry away wastes and toxins. Ample blood flow is essential to experiencing overall health and massage improves blood circulation. What occurs under a massage therapist's hands has profound importance for those interested in quality health and well-being.

Historically, sound health has involved both mind and body.The people of ancient Mediterranean civilizations knew this. Their regimen of bathing and exercise included massage. The modern public's interest in physical fitness, holistic health, wellness and human potential represents a revival of this time-honored philosophy.

Exercise begun on a regular basis changes almost every part of the body. Blood vessels become more intricate in order to meet the body's demand for more oxygen, supply more nutrients and permit more elimination from the body. This process takes time. While muscles are getting into shape, they have trouble getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Wastes back up and stagnate. Often, people see aches and pains as the price of pursuing fitness. This is simply not true. The Greeks and Romans used massage as part of their exercise program to minimize pain, increase endurance and decrease fatigue.

Lactic and carbonic acids build up in muscle tissue shortly after exercise begins. These waste products can cause the pain and occasional cramping that exercisers, athletes, dancers, etc., experience because of workouts. Massage disperses the accumulated by-products of exercise that irritate muscles and speeds up muscle recovery rates.

Joint mobility and health are essential to proper body functioning. A pain in the shoulder, a stiff lower back or a swollen knee interferes with our ability to fully enjoy life. Massage Therapy increases blood flow to these hard to reach areas, releases muscle tension freeing tissue that can bind the joints.

To learn more about Massage and Bodywork, click on any of these topics.