-
Relaxes muscle
spasms and relieves tension
-
May have
a sedative, stimulating or even exhausting effect on the nervous
system, depending on the type and length of massage treatment
given.
-
Acts as a
"mechanical cleanser", pushing along lymph and hastening
the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.
-
Increases
the excretion (via the kidneys) of fluids and nitrogen. Inorganic
phosphorous and salt in normal individuals.
-
Increases
the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.
-
Increases
the blood supply and nutrition to muscles without adding to their
load of toxic lactic acid, produced through voluntary muscle contraction.
Massage thus helps to overcome harmful "fatigue" products
resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.
-
Improves
muscle tone and can compensate, at least in part, for lack of
exercise and muscular contraction in persons who because of injury,
illness or age are forced to remain inactive. In these cases,
massage helps return venous blood to the heart and so eases the
strain on this vital organ.
-
Improves
the general circulation and nutrition of tissues. It is accompanied
or followed by an increased interchange of substances between
the blood and tissue cells, heightening tissue metabolism.
-
Stretches
connective tissue, breaks down or prevents the formation of adhesions
and reduces the danger of fibrosis.
-
Improves
the circulation and nutrition of joints and hastens the elimination
of harmful particles. It opens blood vessels, helps lessen inflammation
and swelling in joints and so alleviates pain.
-
Encourages
the retention of nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur necessary for
tissue repair in persons convalescing from bone fractures.
-
Helps eliminate
edema (or dropsy) of the extremities.
" Disperses the edemas following injury to ligaments and
tendons, lessens pain and facilitates movement.
-
(According
to some authorities) may burst the fat capsule in the subcutaneous
tissue so that the fat exudes and becomes absorbed. In this way,
massage, combined with a nutritious but caloric deficient diet
can be an aid to reducing.
