Our part in the process is to remove obstacles or imbalances in the internal environment, and, you guessed it, massage plays an important part in this process. It stimulates the immune system, enlivens the nervous system and increases circulation. Food provides nourishment from external sources to the body, whereas massage enlivens the internal resources and provides nourishment in the form of proteins, glucose and other vitalizing chemicals that are stored within the system. Massage preserves the body's energy and saves it from decay. It also works as a cleanser and helps in flushing toxins out of the body through sweat, urine, and mucous, thereby rejuvenating the body.
Massage works on both the physical and psychological level.
Physically it produces body heat and increases blood circulation, stimulates and purifies the lymphatic system, and thereby supplies more nourishment to the blood. Psychologically, touch affects the nervous system and affects the circulation of hormones. Ayurvedic massage works directly on the three circulatory systems of the body, the vascular system, nervous system and lymphatic system. In doing so, it is the protector, preserver and rejuvenator of the body. In the Western approach to health the importance of the lymphatic system is often overlooked.