Friday, April 3, 2009

~The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system~
The (ans) innervates smooth muscle,cardiac muscle,and glands,and it controls the circulation of blood activity of the gastrointestinal tract, body temperature respiration rate and many other functions.(salvo 2007)

Within the (ans) is two divisions
  1. Sympathetic nervous system ('fight' or 'flight')
  2. Parasympathetic nervous system (relaxes)
These two systems are complementary to each other one excites and the other inhibits.This
complementary relationship controls the body,s internal organs in a way to control homeostasis.in extreme fear both systems may act simultaneously, producing in voluntary emptying of the bladder and rectum and a general sympathetic response.(salvo 2007).

The function of the parasympathetic system is the rest and digest function,It dominates at rest
and supports body functions that conserve and restore body energy such as digestion.
Body process in the parasympathetic nervous system include salivation,urination,digestive processes defecation and storing nutrients to be used later.
During massage rest and relaxation occurs which stimulates the parasymthectic nervous system
and broadens the perceptual field.Massage on the (pns) decreases anxiety,depression,cortisol(stress hormones)which improves immunity.(salvo 2007)

The sympathetic nervous system overrides the parasympathetic nervous system during physical exertion or emotional stress this gives it the nick name ('fight' or 'flight') .
effects include pupil dialation an increase in heart rate and dialation of airways.Process that are not needed for meeting the stressful situation are suppressed such as stomach shutdown & saliva shutdown.

The effects of massage strokes
Touch- stimulates the (sns) which is the same as instinct and makes us want to protect ourselves until we can confirm that we feel safe.touching the client on the head,feet or back is one of the best ways to start and end the massage session and is important to follow with a moment of quietness giving him or the opportunity to become accustomed to your touch.(salvo 2007)

Effflurage-efflurage is used to introduce touch and for applying lubricant efflurage is also used to warm up the body and prepare the body for deeper work and can be used to flush out he tissue after using other strokes.

Pettrisage-pettrisage consists of of a cycle of rhythmic lifting,squeezing and realising the tissue of metabolic wastes and draws new blood and oxygen into the tissues.
Benefits include-
  • works out wastes
  • lenghthing of muscles
  • stimulating nervous system
  • increases blood flow
  • reduces local swelling
  • relaxes muscles
  • stimulates nervous system
Tapotement-tapotement has a pleasant stimulating effect the teqhniqe variations are tapping,hacking,pounding,pincement,cupping and clapping most therapists use tapotement to Finnish a area or at the end of a massage for stimulation.

Vibration-vibration is rapid rapid shaking,rocking,quivering or trembling moment.vibration is used to send a pulse into the body or and to wake up nerves.vibration also used to relax the muscles,

compression-compression is a form of squeezing muscle tissue it gets the blood pumping trough the muscle and stimulates the nervous system.fast compression stimulates the body and increases tension.slow compression inhibits the body and relaxes the muscle.

OTHER EFFECTS OF MASSAGE
  • Blood flow-improves blood circulation by assisting blood flow back to the heart.Decreases blood pressure, increases circulation and aids in the delivery of products such as nutrients and oxygen to cells.promotes removal of waste products and improves the removal of metabolic wastes.
  • Decreases pain-massage stimulates the release of endorphins and other pain reducing neurochemicals.
  • Reduces stress.activating the relaxation response reduces stress.
  • Reduces anxiety.
  • Relieves muscular tension.massage relieves muscle restrictions,tightness,stiffness and spasms.
  • Relaxes muscles.
  • Reduces excessive scar formation,,releases fasial restrictions,promotes fracture healing and improves connective tissue healing.
  • Improves sleep patterns
digestive system.stimulates digestion because massage promotes activation of the relaxation response,which stimulates digestion.

RESOURCES:
class notes
txt books

Salvo.S(2007)Massage therapy principles and practice third edition.Missouri.Saunders Elsevier.





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