Structured rhythmic touch (massage) affects the physiology of the body for a variety of reasons:

1. Massage moves the body from the sympathetic autonomic nervous system response of stress (as in extreme physical activity) into the parasympathetic autonomic response (as in sleeping).  One of the ways this is accomplished is by the subtle rocking of the massage movements.  Rhythmic movement triggers the transition through the vestibular system.  The response is also helped by the release of endorphins into the body.  Endorphin is the body’s own pleasure substance.  It has been documented that acupuncture and touch release endorphins.


2. Massage reduces muscle tension and extends the stretch reflex response (involuntary muscle contraction in response of stretching).  This is accomplished by affecting the “golgi/spindle cell” apparatus and the proprioceptive reflex mechanism.  Daily stress causes muscles to contract, putting pressure on the nerves, blood and lymph vessels.  The nerve pressure causes pain and pressure responses received by the client.  Interference of circulation can be responsible for the “sluggish” feeling due to ischemia (lack of oxygen/blood), and increased toxin levels of the tissues from the lymph, not circulating and filtering waste products of cellular metabolism.  The massage methods of “range of movement”, “stretches” and “compression” help to alleviate these conditions.


3. Massage changes the consistency of the connective tissues ground matrix.  Under stress, the connective tissues become thicker in response to stress hormones.  This is part of the stress response to protect the body from traumatic injury.  The connective tissue also thickens in response to bacterial and/or viral invasion.  The rolling and kneading movements of massage mechanically soften the connective tissues, reducing pressure on nerve endings and vessels.  Massage stimulates many sensory receptors, especially proprioreceptors.  By flooding the central nervous system with sensory information, many non-productive or hyper-stimulated nerve pathways are over-ridden.  Tension perception decreases as the body relaxes.

By Health Enrichment Center, Inc.