Massage & the Nervous System

Massage effects the nervous system in several ways, it stimulates the nerve receptors in the tissues which controls tissue tension. The mechano receptors respond to touch, pressure, warmth and so on are all stimulated. Tension in the soft tissues may reduce output from the mechano-receptors, which can cause over activity in the sympathetic nervous system (which prepares for fight or flight), by releasing this tension via massage it is possible to restore balance and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (which inhibits the body from overworking and restores a state of calm). This can have a positive effect on some medical conditions for example high blood pressure, migraine, insomnia and digestive disorders. To keep it simple, the sensory input from massage to the nervous system affects over all tension throughout the body. This is why non physical stress such as emotional stress can bring out physical symptoms eg. headaches, digestion and muscular discomfort. Massage works on so many levels that all aim to reduce the symptoms that negative sensory inputs create and increase the positive inputs. This results in a general feeling of wellbeing that patients usually report after treatment.