On the Muscles

•  Massage relieves muscular tension and stiffness as a result of increased blood circulation. Increased blood circulation increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching sore and tired muscles and promotes rapid disposal of waste products. This reduces muscle soreness and fatigue . Massage also releases trigger points , which can remove postural distortions.

•  When muscle tension is reduced, range of motion is improved . The freedom of the joint is dictated by the freedom of the muscles and gait becomes balanced.

•  Massage mechanically lengthens muscles, which can increase muscle flexibility.

•  Massage can help to tone weak muscles . This is beneficial in cases of atrophy.

On the Cardiovascular System

•  Massage causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood circulation and temporarily lowers blood pressure .

•  Improved blood circulation replenishes nutritive materials to cells and tissues and promotes the rapid removal of waste products .

On the Lymphatic System

•  Massage reduces lymphedema by promoting lymph circulation, helping to remove waste from the system.

•  Massage increases the lymphocyte count, a type of white blood cell, which will enhance immune functions .

On the Bones

•  Massage increases circulation around a fracture leading to an increase in callus deposition thus promoting fracture healing .

On the Skin

•  Massage causes superficial blood vessels to dilate, circulation increases and added nutrients are brought to the skin improving the skin's condition, texture, and tone .

•  Massage applied to scar tissue helps to reduce excessive scar formation.

On the Nervous System

•  Massage reduces stress by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, promotes relaxation , and reduces anxiety .

•  Massage reduces pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, increasing circulation and thereby reducing ischemia, and interrupting the pain cycle.

On the Digestive and Urinary Systems

•  By increasing peristaltic activity in the colon, massage can promote evacuation of the colon and relieve constipation and gas , and can stimulate digestion by promoting the parasympathetic nervous system.

•  Massage can increase urine output by stimulating lymphatic fluids for filtration.