Massage increases circulation of the blood and lymph system. Veins and lymphatics are mechanically emptied as massage pushes the blood and lymph through the system. This movement causes a form of suction, which increase the further flow of fresh blood and lymph into the part of the body massaged. In this way, the circulation in the deeper vessels is stimulated and congestion is relieved; also, the flow of blood in the more distant capillaries and arterioles is accelerated. The pressure upon the large arteries cause a slight degree of dilation of these vessels above the point of pressure and when this pressure is released the heart-beat and the resiliency of the arterial wall force this blood on more rapidly and with greater force. In this way, the entire circulation system is improved.
It has been found that during massage the blood flows three times faster than normal flow, thus lessening the work required of the heart. In addition, the number of red blood cells and the percentage of hemoglobin increased. The speed of the flow of lymph in the lymphatic system is greatly increased above the normal rate due to the effects of massage.
The muscles undergo considerable change as a result of deep massage. The circulation through them and their nerve supply and the cell activity within them are benefited. The muscles become more supple and pliant, their power or endurance is greatly increased and they are more responsive to the will. If muscles are fatigued, or even exhausted by exercise or work, they will recover far more quickly under the influence of massage than is possible under rest treatment alone. Muscles become capable of doing about twice the amount of work they did before undergoing a regime of massage therapy. Even after a short rest, following a few minutes of massage, exhausted muscles have been able to do as much work as after two hours of complete rest. Weakened muscles have been restored to normal after only a few massages.
Massage is a scientific system of skillful manipulation of the hands upon the body for the improvement of health. Massage has been used by human beings from the earliest of times. Pains, cramps, swellings, strains, and many other conditions seem naturally to call for some form of massage.
Massage in eastern societies was dated as far back as 3000 BC. It was used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans often used massage as a substitute for more strenuous exercise and to remove the effects of excessive drinking and overeating.
The science and art of massage gradually died out during the Middle Ages. Dr. S.W. Mitchell introduced massage in to the United States in 1877. By 1890 a number of physicians and others had published books describing in detail with text and illustrations the massage movements we now term as Swedish massage. Acceptance of massage was realized during World War I when it proved its merits, particularly with amputees and “war-nerves”. In present society we know that the skin, muscles, fascia, blood vessels, lymphatic, nerves and even the internal organs are influenced by massage.