Effects of Massage on Autonomic Nervous System
Massage on the autonomic system sounds funky, yet we can influence our breathing by exercise or meditation. So with continuous strokes long an flowing you could quite or stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Then by adding stimulating strokes such as percussion, vibration and friction you can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the bodies way of protection against danger or the sense of danger. It is also the bodies way of cooping with extreme stress or an emergency this condition is called “fight-or-flight”. Activation of this system is the bodies way of dealing with stress real or perceived and will increase heart rate, blood is diverted to muscles, peristalsis is decreased, adrenaline and epinephrine are secreted into the blood stream. The sweat glands are activated and the bodies alert level is heightened.
The parasympathetic system is the exact opposite of the sympathetic system and is used to achieve a balance in the body. So peristalsis is increased, blood pressure is lowered, and pain receptors are ignored or bradykines are reduced in the blood stream. Blood circulation is increased to the internal organs which speeds digestion. All of the parasympathetic systems are calming and soothing and massage techniques are flowing light touch strokes.
The two counteract on each other letting the body achieve a natural balance from the negative feedback loop creating homeostasis. Initially massage will stimulate the senses but over time will sedate and calm, which is the main reason for massage to be in approximately one (1) hour long lengths. Allowing the initial stimulate to soothe and become relaxation. Allowing relaxation and the reduction of stress and all of the health factors that play into the reduction of stress. Initially this is also why a good chair massage will last approximately fifteen (15) minutes in length allowing the body to get stimulated and be refreshed but more alert in nature.
