The Effects of Massage

The Effects of Massage

The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the central system that operates as a control. Most of the ANS responses are involuntary i.e. the heartbeat, urination, digestion, respiration rate. It can be divided into sub divisions. The parasympathetic and sympathetic systems which work in balance to each other (Braun & Simonson 2007).

The sympathetic system is the fight or flight response. It is active when somebody is under stress. This is stimulated when the massage begins as it is an exposed situation (Braun & Simonson 2007). This is why it is essential to allow the client to feel safe and comfortable in the environment. By starting the massage with holds it establishes the trust relationship between the client and therapist. Once this has been determined and the massage begins with the slow rhythmic relaxing strokes the ANS feels safe and the parasympathetic system then kicks in.

The parasympathetic system promotes a “rest and digest” result which promotes the calming of nerves and increases the digestion so your body can get the energy and absorb the essential nutrients it needs. Swedish massage techniques create a sedative effective. Deep relaxation stimulates the parasympathetic system, the more relaxed the client the greater the stimulation (Premkumar 2003). By doing this it allows the client to relax and get used to the contact. It has a calming and soothing effect on the client as well as the therapist (Salvo 2007).


The effects of massage strokes

Touch/holding: Used to introduce touch. By doing this it allows the client to relax and get used to the contact. It has a calming and soothing effect on the client as well as the therapist.

Effleurage: This stroke is the fundamental stroke of Swedish massage. It has many beneficial effects. The flushing movement of the effleurage allows to first of all warm up the tissue for the massage and relaxes the client. Depending on the type of rhythm it can either stimulate or soothe the nervous system (Braun & Simonson 2007), furthermore effleurage aids in the lymph and venous flow. Transverse effleurage breaks down “gluey” fascial adhesions. Effleurage is a mechanical way of flushing out metabolic wastes that may be acclimated in areas. (Salvo 2007)

Petrisage: This stroke is used to work more deeply in specific areas as it consists of a milking application. Lifting, compressing and releasing the muscle is a mechanic way of pumping the metabolic waste out of the concentrated areas and bringing in new nutrient filled blood. Petrisage, similar to effleurage, aids in increases the blood flow and stimulation the nervous system. It specifically addresses tension, reducing the stiffness of the muscle and softening the superficial facia (Salvo 2007)

Skin Rolling: this is a modified version of petrisage; similarly it mechanically unglues the sticky facial adhesions. Pain can be reduced as it is a manual release in the superficial limitations between the skin and tissue.

Compression: this stroke can access tissues that are too deep to access with effleurage it works like a manual pump and increases the amount of blood flow to the area (Braun & Simonson 2007).

Tapotement: This stimulates and excites the nervous system. Depending on the area, different effects can occur. Heavy tapotement is used mostly for respiratory conditions to assist in loosening of mucus. Light tapotement techniques are used to stimulate tense muscles and reduce fatigue. (Kleen)


Miscellaneous effects of massage

Massage can have a dramatic effect by reducing muscle soreness and fatigue. It can increase the flow of blood around the body consequently increasing the amount of oxygenated and nutrient filled blood the muscle has available. In addition, it is also a proficient technique to use after post exercise soreness “A fatigued muscle recuperates 20% after 5 minutes of rest and 100% after 5 minutes of massage.” (Salvo, 2007, p.91). This would thereby decrease the recovery time and have the athlete performing at their best again.

Massage has many effects on the cardiovascular system, including enhancing the blood circulation, increasing the stroke volume from heart and also dilates blood vessels. By increased blood flow, the product of this then effects the body in different parts as the blood can the replenishes other cells with oxygen and nutritive supplies.

The body’s lymphatic system only flows in one direction, without a pump to aid in the flow it is pressure dependant and in some cases the lymph may pool in an area. When performing a massage the rhythmic, light strokes will stimulate the movement of the surplus of lymph in affected areas. Resulting in improved lymph circulation reduced edema (Salvo 2007).

Connective tissue can benefit from massage as well. It can reduce keloid formation present in scar tissue, decrease adhesions and fascial restrictions that may be present surrounding muscles which in turn allows the muscle to stretch and perform functionally again. According to Salvo (2007), another benefit is the reduction of the appearance of cellulite on the skin.

The body’s digestion system is another system that benefits from massage. By increasing the peristalsis contractions of the intestine it promotes the colon to empty consequently reducing constipation which is particularly helpful if the client suffers from Irritable bowel syndrome. Braun & Simonson (2007) reported that massage therapy additionally helps the release of enzymes which help to break down food. Not only does it make it easier to digest, but also increases the absorption of nutrients.

Salvo (2007) states massage can also interrupt the pain cycle. By massaging the hypertonic muscles it allows the tense spasmed or contracted muscles to lengthen out and reduce ischemia. Like exercise, massage can release endorphins when being massaged. These endorphins are like a natural mood pick up where you may feel less lethargic and a renewed sense of energy.


To summarise, massage has many beneficial effects on your body. Combined they relax and increase the physical well-being of the client which in the end is the aim of any relaxation massage- to gain mental and physical relief.


Reference List:

Salvo, S. (2007). Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice (3rd Ed.). St Louis, United States: Saunders.
Kleen, E. (n.d). Effects of Massage: Tapotement. Retrieved June 26, 2009, from http://chestofbooks.com/health/body/massage/Massage-And-Medical-Gymnastics/Tapotement.html
Braun, B., & Simonson, S. (2007). Introduction to Massage Therapy (2nd Ed.). Retrieved June 26, 2009, from http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=hqdiaQ5kHjMC&pg=PA184&lpg=PA184&dq=massage+effects+on+digestion&source=bl&ots=Pzgr8WtGzH&sig=4yO_F8tYR03qV-Rokla449upR9Y&hl=en&ei=eNRGStnJDZKaMPvNuLAC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5
Premkumar, K. (2003).The massage connection (2nd Ed.). Retrieved June 26, 2009, from http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=o95f8iLXa9cC&pg=PA373&lpg=PA373&dq=parasympathetic+system+massage&source=bl&ots=FmtOixHW-Z&sig=zz7oNfqtfhCFNMItg9M2goipz84&hl=en&ei=YihMSre2K8GSlAf0zaDpAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4