Massage stimulates the touch, pressure and proprioceptive receptors of the skin and underlying tissue. Massage can have a sedative, stimulating or even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of treatment given. Massage reduces sympathetic stimulation and helps to balance the autonomic nervous system. Massage relaxes the muscles and helps to reestablish proper tonus through its effect on the neuromuscular reflex pathways. Massage is known to affect the neurotransmitters of the brain and increase endorphin secretion in particular.
Massage can reduce nerve entrapment through the release of soft tissue or muscular binding.
Massage can reduce nerve root compression caused by muscular tension. Massage increases tissue fluid and lymphatic circulation thus reducing swelling and enhancing the immune and filtering activities of this system. Massage increases venous and lymphatic flow. Massage reduces swelling by enhancing lymphatic circulation. Massage can facilitate elimination through the large intestines by mechanically stimulating peristalsis and improving tone.