The vascular and lymphatic networks of vessels run through the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. These systems are activated during a massage, which enhances circulation, increases the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to tissues and organs, and facilitates the removal of metabolic waste from muscles and other tissues.
Learn more about the benefits of massage for your skin…
The lymphatic system is responsible for capturing and destroying bacteria within its lymph nodes, thus enhancing the body’s immune properties.
Massage also nourishes reticular connective tissue and supports blood-forming processes. This type of connective tissue provides the structure for lymph nodes, bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and the spleen.
Swedish massage stimulates nerve endings, influencing the central nervous system, including the brain and spine, and sends stimuli to deeper skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, the endocrine system, and internal organs.
Smooth muscle tissue, such as the bladder, intestinal lining, and vascular lining, operates independently of our will. Massage lowers the resistance of smooth muscles, particularly within vessel walls, regulating blood pressure and easing the workload on your heart.
The nervous system also influences the digestive system, regulating food absorption. Therefore, improved blood flow in the viscera due to massage leads to better digestion and nutrient absorption. Overall, massage accelerates digestion and, when combined with a proper diet, aids in weight management.
Swedish massage activates the parasympathetic part of the nervous system, reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, while promoting the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. This induces a state of “rest and digest,” leaving you feeling relaxed, rested, and often sleepy.
This contrasts with the effects of the sympathetic part of the nervous system, which controls “fight-or-flight” stress responses. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic system is typically associated with extended periods of stress. In modern life, factors like work and daily problems contribute to stress accumulation, leading to anxiety, depression, and elevated blood sugar levels. This is why a sedentary and stressful office job can leave you feeling exhausted, even though you have spent the day seated in front of a computer monitor.