Massage affects the body in two ways:

• Physical
• Psychological

Effects on stress: (click here to learn about ‘Stress Less’)

• Boosts the immune system, which is weakened by constant stress; stimulates the circulation and lymphatic system
• Helps release of endorphins – the pain-relieving “happy” hormones
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the body down, encouraging deeper breathing, lowering heart rate and also switches digestion back on
• Helps to treat depression and symptoms such as low self-esteem by boosting well-being which in turn positively impacts upon self-worth
• Stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair and renew, at cellular level

Effects on the skin:

• Improves the look, tone and quality of the skin by improving drainage
• Improves circulation by vasodilation of surface blood capillaries
• Helps to eliminate toxins / waste from the body via the skin
• Helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface

Effects on muscles:

• Improves muscle tone by stimulating stretch receptors
• Relieves fatigue in muscles tissue by improving drainage and removing lactic acid
• Helps reduce / prevent formation of adhesion in muscle fibres
• Relaxes tense and tight muscles

Effects on Joints:

• Helps to mobilise joints by stimulating the formation of synovial fluid
• Helps to ease pain in sore joints
• Helps to keep joints more supple

Effects on Cells and Tissues:

• Increased blood supply aids better cellular metabolism
• Helps to rid tissues of waste, thus enabling better function

Effects on the vascular system:

• Increases the blood circulation, thereby bringing nutrients and oxygen and assisting in removal of waste
• Helps to warm cold extremities
• Generally complements the heart’s function by assisting circulation

Effects on the Lymphatic system:

• Increases the flow of lymph into and from the lymphatic system
• Ensures that glands or vessels keep fluid moving through them
• Helps detoxification of the body

Effects on the respiratory system:

• Induces deeper and slower breathing.

Effects on the Nervous System:

• Has a calming and soothing effect on the nerve pathways leading to the higher centres
• Some movements have a stimulatory effect on nerve endings
• Encourages the release of endorphins – substances which reduce pain and promote a s sense of well being

Effects on the Digestive System:

• Increases peristalsis ( wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract) thus aiding digestion.
• Helps prevent constipation and thereby assists in waste removal from the body.

Effects on the Urinary System:

• Increases production of urine, assisting with waste removal from the body.