How do the benefits of massage help the organ systems?

Benefits of Massage...
The Physiological Benefits


How do the benefits of massage help the organ systems?

Massage has specific effects on the different organ systems of the body. It helps by keeping the organ tissues healthy and enhances healing to improve the function of the system as a whole.

Since organ systems interact in myriad ways, the benefits of massage on any system impact others as well. There is an overlapping function taking place within the different organ systems while a massage is being received.

For example: certain organ systems have pairings such as muscular-skeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous-endocrine, and respiratory-circulatory-muscular.

Trust me... I understand the feeling of not quite understanding the terms used medically.
I was once a student myself learning all these new big words that I could hardly even pronounce at one time.

My goal here is to put these medical terms into a way that you can best understand them. Just for YOU!


What is the Physiological Benefits of Massage?

There are 11 major organ systems that compose the human body. This is where the term "physiological" comes in to play. It makes up the organic processes of the body on a cellular, tissue, or organ system level.

Example: The activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System - releases endorphins (and so on).

The benefits of massage can stimulate, increase, improve, develop, regenerate, and relax these organ systems. This improves the overall function of the organ systems.

They all sound the same don't they? Don't let that confuse you like it did me the first time I was learning about the benefits of massage on a "physiological" level.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary - Physiological

Stimulate: to act as a stimulant, to invigorate, to excite (an organ, part, etc.) to activity
Increase: to become greater in size, amount, degree, etc. (to increase one's confidence)

Improve: to rise to a better quality or condition; make better

Develop: to make stronger or more effective; strengthen (muscles)

Regenerate: to grow anew(a part to replace one hurt or lost), to produce again

Relax: to make looser, or less firm or tense (muscles)


The Benefits of Massage:

The Muscular System

Relieves soreness, tension, and stiffness
Improves muscle tone
Increases flexibility and range of motion of joints
Improves the flow of nutrients to muscles and joints, accelerating recovery from fatigue and injury
Reduces scar tissue
Breaks down or prevents adhesions (knots)
Speeds recovery from exercise
Enhances freedom of movement
Prevents or delays muscular atrophy, resulting from inactivity caused by injury, age, surgery, or illness
Increases physical confidence
Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
Reduces pain and swelling

The Skeletal System

Improves posture/body alignment
Relieve stiff joints
Decreases inflammation
Restores range of motion (increasing joint movement)
Releases joint strain (releasing tight muscles and tendons)
Releases restrictions in the fascia (connected tissues)
Improves the circulation and nutrients of your joints

The Integumentary System

Improves skin tone by removing dead cells and improving circulation
Regenerates tissue, including burns, wounds, and wrinkles
Helps to normalize glandular functions
Improve elasticity of skin
Stimulates blood flow to nourish the skin

The Circulatory System

Increases blood flow (to tissues and organs), which can relieve much muscular and joint pain (especially associated with swelling)
Increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients (to cells and tissues), improving and relieving congestion throughout the body
Increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia
Lower blood pressure
Reduces heart rate (helps develop a stronger heart)
Elimination of metabolic waste

The Lymphatic System

Cleanse the body of wastes and toxic debris in the body
Increases the circulation of lymph
Stimulates the immune system (strengthens resistance to disease)
Reduces edema of the extremities (arms and legs)
Removal of lactic acid from fatigued and sore muscles (allows for a quick recovery)
Increases kidney action to remove wastes of protein metabolism
Increases retention of nitrogen phosphorus, and sulfur to aid in bone repair
Speeds recovery from illness

The Respiratory System

Develops respiratory muscles
Regulates respiration
Promotes deeper and easier breathing

The Nervous System

Stimulates Nervous System = boosting energy
Calms the Nervous System = relaxing
-- Massage may have a sedative, stimulating or an exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of massage treatment given
Relieves restlessness and insomnia
Relieves pain due to pinched nerves
Decreases chronic pain
Stimulates the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkiller)

The Endocrine System

Helps the body to restore and heal itself
Develops of a restful sleep pattern
Promotes appropriate levels of hormones (bringing the immune system back in balance)

The Digestive System

Relieves constipation (specifically if a abdominal massage is given)
Relaxes the abdominal and intestinal muscles (therefore releasing tension in this area)
Eliminates waste materials
Stimulates activity of liver and kidneys

The Urinary System

Elimination of metabolic waste
Cleanses the body of wastes and toxic debris in the body
Increases kidney action to remove wastes of protein metabolism

The Reproductive System

Reduces depression and anxiety associated with PMS
Reduces excess fluid retention
Helps prepare for the birthing process
This list is just the beginning to how the benefits of massage can help you. The ever expanding research continues...

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is not intended to replace
the advice of your doctor. Please always consult your health care professional first.