What is the use of massage, and what is the mechanism of its action
A massage session is not only a pleasant process, but also useful in all respects. The benefits of massage are truly multifaceted and complex. Massage has a beneficial effect on the skin, subcutaneous layer, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons, as well as on the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous and respiratory systems. That is why many after the massage feel as if they were born again. Of course, massage is different, and back massage is very different from facial massage, but the result is always the same – the benefit.
The mechanism of action of massage
The physiological effect of massage on the skin:
Increase in musculocutaneous tone
Activation of skin lymph and blood circulation
Improving local and general metabolism due to the fact that the skin takes part in almost all metabolic processes in our body.
Improving the secretory function of the sebaceous and sweat glands
Increases skin oxygen saturation
As a result, the skin becomes elastic and smooth, acquires a healthy shade.
The effect of massage on the subcutaneous fat layer
Because massage affects the metabolism, it automatically enhances the release of fat from adipose tissue, thereby contributing to its burning. Massage for weight loss is very effective, but only in combination with a balanced diet, reasonable physical activity and other cosmetic procedures.
Massage effect on the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, tendons)
Increasing the elasticity of muscle fibers without the release of lactic acid
Increased blood flow to the muscles
Enhanced oxygen saturation
The performance of tired muscles is restored (this is especially true after increased physical exertion, in this case massage will help the muscles relax in 5 minutes, while passive rest and flattening on the bed will not help much in 20-30 minutes)
Redox reactions are improving (for those who are familiar with lactic acid in the muscles firsthand, this item will say a lot)
Relieves pain after sports exertion.
For some diseases, massage
slows muscle atrophy and
reduces already developed hypotrophy.
The benefits of massage for the nervous system.
As you know, skin is the first conductor of the nervous system, because nerve endings it is associated with the whole body. And in this regard, the effect of massage is universal. They can both relax and excite the nervous system.
Moreover, massage has an effect on peripheral NS. This means that massage improves the conductivity of nerve endings, thereby enhancing the reflex connections between the cerebral cortex with muscles, the circulatory system and internal organs. It also accelerates the regeneration process (if the nerve was damaged), improves trophic tissue, weakens or completely relieves pain.
The effect of massage on the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Everyone noticed that the massaged areas were turning red. This is due to the fact that massage broadens the lumen of blood vessels and activates the work of reserve capillaries (if before massage 1 square mm has an average of 31 active capillaries, then after – 1400). As a result, blood supply to the surface of not only the massed area, but also of the adjacent organs increases. However, blood does not get anymore and it doesn’t come from nowhere, it simply drains from the internal organs, thereby facilitating the work of the left atrium and ventricle, increasing the pumping ability of the heart muscle. Including stagnation in both circles of blood circulation is also eliminated.
A virtually identical process occurs with the lymphatic system. And this is further evidence that anti-cellulite massage and its effectiveness is not a myth invented by cosmetologists to make money.
Among other things, the effect of massage on the circulatory system is also expressed in an increase in the number of leukocytes and hemoglobin, and most importantly, red blood cells, which is important for anemic patients.
You can talk about the benefits of massage indefinitely, whole books are devoted to this topic. We will not go into medical subtleties, and, in the end, we just say that massage normalizes all body functions. It has a tonic, calming, trophic and enerotropic effect on the body. And this once again suggests that massage is not just a pleasure, but a method of manual therapy, enormous in its effectiveness.
