Massage affects the body as a whole. To understand how massage works, some of the physiological effects of massage need to be briefly examined.

Massage is known to increase the circulation of the blood and the lymph. The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied pressure and stretching (as done in massage) can dramatically increase the rate of blood flow. Also, the stimulation of nerve receptors causes the blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate.

A milky white fluid called lymph carries impurities and waste fluids away from the tissues and passes through gland-like structures spaced throughout the lymphatic system that act as filtering valves. The lymph does not circulate as the blood does, so its movement depends largely on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions. Therefore, inactive people fail to stimulate lymph circulation. On the other hand, the stimulation caused by vigorous activity can be outstripped by the increased waste produced by that activity. Massage can aid the movement of lymph dramatically in either case.

For the whole body to be healthy, the sum of its parts (the cell) must be healthy. The individual cells of the body are dependent upon an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids supply nutrients and oxygen and carry away wastes and toxins. So, it is easy to understand why good circulation is so important and why massage can be so beneficial for the entire body due to its effect on circulation alone.

• Massage causes change in the blood. The oxygen capacity of blood can increase 10 – 15% after massage.
• Massage causes affects throughout the body by helping to loosen contracted and shortened muscles and stimulates weak and flaccid muscles. This muscle balancing can help posture and can provide for more efficient movement. Massage does not increase muscle strength, but it can promote recovery from the fatigue that occurs after exercise, and in this way makes it possible to do more exercises, which may in the long run strengthen muscles.
• Massage increases the bodies’ secretions and excretions. There is a proven increase in the production of gastric juice, saliva and urine. There is also increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and sodium chloride (salt). This suggests that the metabolic rate (the utilization of absorbed material by the body cells) increases.
• Massage affects the nervous system. The nervous system is stimulated and/or soothed by massage.
• Massage enhances skin condition by directly improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands by keeping the skin lubricated, clean and cool.