The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral system that acts as a control, functioning largely below the level of consciousness, and controls visceral functions. The ANS affects heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the puscepils, micturition (urination), and sexual arousal. most of its actions are involuntary.
the ANS is divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for up- and down-regulating many homeostatic mechanisms in living organisms. Fibers from the SNS innervate tissues in almost every organ system, providing at least some regulatory function. It is perhaps best known for mediating the neuronal and hormonal stress response commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. (wikipedia.org) Massage reduces sympathetic arousal which decreases the chance of high levels of cortisol and lessens the chance of hypertension (fritz,2003). the long soothing massage strokes activate the "flight" response.
The parasympathetic system is the rest and digest division; it dominates at rest and supports body functions that conserve and restore body energy, such as digestion (salvo, 3rd ed). massage strokes stimulate the parasympathetic system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
The effects of massage strokes.
there are many different types of massage strokes that can be used for relaxation massage, all of which have a different feeling of relaxation.
touch is the medium of massage and a powerful therapeutic tool. touching the client is one of the best ways to start a massage, a moment of quietness accompanies the initial contact with you client, giving him or her the opportunity to become accustomed to you with out distracting conversation (salvo, 3rd ed). Effleurage means long, soothing, stroking movements which are performed using the flat of the hand (healthepic.com). Effleurage is used to warm the skin and spread oils etc, also to flush blood around the body. The movements which involve various ways of kneading, rolling and picking up the skin and muscles, is called Petrissage. These movements help in strengthening the structures by stimulating the deep layers of tissue, and also help in increasing the supply of blood to the area. At the same time, they also improve the flow of lymph(healthepic.com). compression is the rythmic pumping on the muscle which creates relaxation. Tapotment is the application of repetitive ataccote striking movements of the hands, moving either simultaneously or alternately. Vibration is the application of rapid shaking, quivering, trembling or rocking movements (salvo, 3rd ed).
Other effects of massage.
Massage affects the muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body. It loosens contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. Massage can stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% after massage. By indirectly or directly stimulating nerves that supply internal organs, blood vessels of these organs dilate and allow greater blood supply to them. Muscular contraction has a pumping effect that moves lymph. Massage and exercise help to move lymph. Massage increases the body's secretions and excretions. It increases the production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine. There is also an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and salt. As a result, the metabolic rate increases. Massage can promote recovery from the fatigue and from minor aches and pains massage aids in healthy sleep patterns massage breaks connective tissue adhesions and promotes tissue by healing and increasing collagen improves mood by reducing stress and pain, leaving an enhanced feeling of well-being concentration is improved satiety is increased bonding is improved due to improvement in concentration, mood etc. References : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_nervous_system http://www.holisticonline.com/Massage/mas_and-health.htm
Salvo, S. (2003) Massage therapy: principles and practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
