Massage and the Nervous System: The Path to Inner Harmony

The physiological effects of any type of massage on the body help to achieve changes that will become noticeable gradually. The procedures help restore the physical and emotional states.

The human nervous system is no exception. That is why massage is so important and necessary in everyday life, even if you are on a distant trip. Today it is not difficult to find a good level massage parlor wherever you are, whether it is massage Abu Dhabi or in the center of Paris. You will get quality services everywhere for all tastes and budgets.

Do not neglect your health; be sure to practice massages on a regular basis. And before we touch in detail on the effect of massage on the CNS, let’s first consider some points related to the general effect of massage on the human body.

Features of working through different parts of the body

The effect of massage on the functional state of the body depends on what zone will be worked on:

• Back, neck. Stimulation of points that promote easier and more correct fulfillment of all functions of the body. The result will be a return of balance and an increase in vitality. Tension is eliminated from the back, shoulders, neck.
• Face, head. Such workouts help to increase blood flow in this area, improve concentration and memory, get rid of headaches, normalize sleep.
• Legs. By working on the reflex points of the extremities, the nerve pathways are stimulated. The effect of this massage is on tense, overloaded, or damaged points of the body, thus ensuring balance. In general, stimulation of these areas helps to improve the functioning of the body, even if there are no health problems.
• The whole body. The nervous system is affected; points near the spine are stimulated. All body functions are normalized, due to which cells and tissues are regenerated, and the body’s ability to self-repair is restored.

Massage therapy in general affects the metabolism, so it also affects the fatty tissue. Acceleration of metabolic processes helps to burn excess fat. It should be noted that in order to lose weight, therapy is performed in courses (at least 15 procedures) and combined with physical activity.

How massage affects the nervous system

The regulatory function performed by the nervous system is the most important function in the human body. There are 3 divisions:

• Central nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord;
• Peripheral. It includes nerve fibers that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the organs;
• Autonomic. Its function is to control all the processes that occur in the internal organs.

Along with this, the autonomic nervous system includes 2 departments: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Therapy affects the peripheral and central nervous systems. The first response of the nervous system to mechanical irritation occurs when the skin is worked on. In this case, a whole stream of impulses from many nerve-end organs that perceive pressure, tactile, and various temperature stimuli is sent to the CNS.

During the massage effect on the person in the skin, joints, muscles, there is the formation of impulses that excite the cells of the cerebral cortex and stimulate the function of the corresponding centers.

Massage movements have a profound effect on the peripheral nervous system, contributing to the weakening or cessation of pain, improving nerve conduction, accelerating the recovery process in case of its damage, preventing or reducing vasomotor sensory and trophic disorders. When delicate, slow stroking reduces the excitability of the treated tissues, it has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Intense, fast movements increase the irritability of the tissues being massaged. The atmosphere in which the procedure is performed—dimmed light, comfortable temperature, pleasant calm music—is of great importance for the effect on the nervous system and enhances the therapeutic effect of massge therapy.

Many studies have shown that massage therapy increases levels of dopamine and serotonin (hormones that are associated with happiness and well-being), reduce cortisol (stress hormone). It has also been confirmed that restorative massage accelerates the production of endorphins, a natural pain reliever.

Sessions are indicated for diseases of the nervous system. Properly conducted procedures help to achieve the following effects:

• relief of anxiety, insomnia;
• muscle relaxation, normalization of tone through the effect on neuromuscular reflex pathways;
• influence on brain neurotransmitters;
• reduction of radicular compression caused by muscle tension;
• stimulation of receptors that affect vasomotor nerves, internal organs, joints, and muscles.

Depending on which technique is chosen—Balinese, Thai massage, or another type of treatment—a relaxing or stimulating effect is achieved. It helps to balance the work of the autonomic system.

Conclusion

The physiological effects of massage on the human body are undeniable. Regular sessions help not only to restore physical condition, but also significantly improve emotional well-being. The nervous system, as one of the body’s key systems, receives significant support through massage treatments.

It is important to remember that it has a profound effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress levels and increase levels of happy hormones. Creating a comfortable atmosphere during the session enhances the therapeutic effect, making massage an indispensable tool for maintaining health and well-being.