The Effects of massage on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
The ANS responds to the effects of massage by way of involuntary responses. These are not consciously controlled and are activated by nervous impulses to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands.The ANS is divided into the Sympathetic system ,
Parasympathetic system .
The Sympathetic nervous system is the bodies way of coping with danger or stress,real or percieved. Alternatively the Parasympathetic system is used to achieve balance in the body and maintain homeostasis.
During massage the parasympathetic dominates the sympathetic. As it is most active under a calm enviroment,which the massage room should be.
Intially the sympathetic system is aroused by the percieved vulnerability of lying on the massage table and awaiting first contact of the therapist.This is the 'Fight/Flight' reaction and is activated until the body feels a sense of trust and safety is established.
Once the body is encouraged to relax, aided by slow rythmic massage the parasympathetic system is activated. This causes the body to relax, destress and reduce the excretion of stress hormones.
Deeper massage will engage the sympathetic system to increase circulation to the areas that are being worked on.Tapotement, vibration, shaking , petrissage all activate the sympathetic system by 'exciting' the muscle to make small vigorous contractions.
In tandem the 2 divisions of the ANS play an important role in the way the body responds to massage.
The Effects of Massage Strokes.
Touch/Holding; Allows the body time to adjust to the enviroment.Mentally prepare for the
massage experience, know where the massage therapist is. Time to percieve
start and finish of area being worked on or beginning and end of session.
Effleurage/ Petrissage; allows spread of massage lubricant. Preparation to warm tissues prior
to more intense work on that area .It is also used following any deep
work.Generally effleurage is a more relaxing long stroke than the twisting ,
squeezing movement of petrissage,which is effective in breaking up fascial
adhesions.
The squeezing action of petrissage also produces a pumping action to move
fluids. Whereas the long strokes of effleurage towards the heart in a light to
moderate manner is effective in aiding the movement of lymph fluid. A deeper
stroke aids venous return.
Compression/
Tapotement/ These massage strokes stimulate muscles and nerves. They cause muscles to
Vibration; relax via reciprocal inhibition-ie, Tapotement can cause lengthening of
muscle spindles,-lengthen muscle,then contracts (reflexive contraction) to
protect any tissue damage by sudden lengthening.This is
then followed by general relaxation of the muscle.
Cupping tapotement can be used specifically over the back of the chest to a
aid the loosening of respiratory secretions and mucous.
All of these strokes are effective over clothing.
Compression although shares the benefits of the other strokes is specific in
providing pressure point work to relax muscle and relieve pain.And
mechanical movement of fluid.
Other Effects Of Massage
Blood Flow; Increases blood flow by mechanically assisting venous blood flow back to the
heart.
Lymph Flow; Increases lymphatic drainage-especially light to moderate massage towards
the heart.
Muscle Tension; Reduces muscle tension by relaxation,relieving tension and stiffiness
Connective Tissue;Breaks connective tissue adhesions and promotes tissue healing by increasing
collagen.
Sleep Patterns;Aids healthy patterns and deep sleep.
Digestion; Increases digestion which is stimulated by relaxation
Blood Pressure;Reduces blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress
hormones. May increase if massage painful.
Pain; Reduces pain by interrupting the pain cycle.Stimulates the production of endorphins
the body's natural analgesic.Reduces ischaemia and aids in the removal of metabolic
waste.
Mood; Improves due reduced stress/pain. Enhanced feeling of well-being. Renewed energy.
Concentration; Improves, directly linked to above mood improvement.
Satiety.Increases.
Bonding; Ability increases due to improvement in mood, concentration, satiety,reduced stress.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sustainability-pondering!
Having watched The Story of Stuff, say its all totally true-how to change the model? If we the general public don't have power or money can we make a difference? I think the idea of the Corporations having the biggest influence may well have merit; why else does the govt bail them out.A bit simplistic! But a start !
Monday, June 1, 2009
Preparation for Massage
Appointment Booking;
Judy has rung the clinic to make an appointment for a back massage. Whilst making a time, I am able to ask Judy if she has had a massage before. She has never had a massage, so I enquire if there is anything in particular that she wants. Judy tells me she has had some shoulder and mid-back aches which she attributes to working at a desk all day.I clarify with Judy if she has seen her Doctor or a Physiotherapist and does she have clearance to have a back massage. I am pleased that she has been proactive and has spoken to her Doctor who has given her clearance to have a Relaxing back massage.
The next step is to establish how long the appointment will be, what sort of massage (relaxation) ,I also explain to Judy that I have a client record form and consent form that I ask that she completes on arrival and to allow 5-10 minutes for this ,clarifying this is additional time to the half hour massage time so that she will be aware of the total time she needs to allow for herself .
Finally I confirm Judy's contact details obtaining 2 numbers, home and cellphone, which allows me to TXT her the day prior to her morning appointment reminding her of the day and time.
CLIENT CONSULTATION DAY OF MASSAGE;
Judy arrives for her massage; I welcome Judy intoducing myself . There is an area with 2 armchairs and coffee table where we sit down so that I am able to give Judy the client information sheet and consent form for her to fill in. I explain why it is important that she is able to complete these so that I can treat her well and safely.
I leave Judy for a few moments to look over the forms and complete them telling her I am just going to check the massage room is warm enough.I do this so that Judy does not feel' hassled'whilst filling in the forms.
When I return I sit down with Judy and review the form with her so that I am able to clarify any injuries, allergies, any present conditions which contrindicate massage or need to be accommodated within the massage treatment.
Also allowing; Judy to ask any questions of me
Myself to clarify Judy's expectations
Any preferences re lubricant and allergies.
Explain massage process I will undertake today
Clarify my hygiene policy, re new drapes for each client, cleaning table
It is important not to rush through this process as intial impressions will set the confidence that this new client will hold in my ability and my standard of professionalism.
Moving through to massage room;
Because this is Judy's first visit to the clinic and first massage I show her the layout of the room and where the toilet facilities are . Fresh jug and glass of water if she would like a drink prior to , particulary beneficial after the massage.
Massage Time; I provide clear instructions to Judy about;
where to hang her clothes
how much of her clothing to remove
how to get on the table,where to place her head,body position
which drapes to place over herself.
To give Judy some privacy while she gets ready, I explain that I am nowing leaving the room to wash my hands,and will be back in 5 minutes and will knock before entering to make sure she is ready.
Judy has rung the clinic to make an appointment for a back massage. Whilst making a time, I am able to ask Judy if she has had a massage before. She has never had a massage, so I enquire if there is anything in particular that she wants. Judy tells me she has had some shoulder and mid-back aches which she attributes to working at a desk all day.I clarify with Judy if she has seen her Doctor or a Physiotherapist and does she have clearance to have a back massage. I am pleased that she has been proactive and has spoken to her Doctor who has given her clearance to have a Relaxing back massage.
The next step is to establish how long the appointment will be, what sort of massage (relaxation) ,I also explain to Judy that I have a client record form and consent form that I ask that she completes on arrival and to allow 5-10 minutes for this ,clarifying this is additional time to the half hour massage time so that she will be aware of the total time she needs to allow for herself .
Finally I confirm Judy's contact details obtaining 2 numbers, home and cellphone, which allows me to TXT her the day prior to her morning appointment reminding her of the day and time.
CLIENT CONSULTATION DAY OF MASSAGE;
Judy arrives for her massage; I welcome Judy intoducing myself . There is an area with 2 armchairs and coffee table where we sit down so that I am able to give Judy the client information sheet and consent form for her to fill in. I explain why it is important that she is able to complete these so that I can treat her well and safely.
I leave Judy for a few moments to look over the forms and complete them telling her I am just going to check the massage room is warm enough.I do this so that Judy does not feel' hassled'whilst filling in the forms.
When I return I sit down with Judy and review the form with her so that I am able to clarify any injuries, allergies, any present conditions which contrindicate massage or need to be accommodated within the massage treatment.
Also allowing; Judy to ask any questions of me
Myself to clarify Judy's expectations
Any preferences re lubricant and allergies.
Explain massage process I will undertake today
Clarify my hygiene policy, re new drapes for each client, cleaning table
It is important not to rush through this process as intial impressions will set the confidence that this new client will hold in my ability and my standard of professionalism.
Moving through to massage room;
Because this is Judy's first visit to the clinic and first massage I show her the layout of the room and where the toilet facilities are . Fresh jug and glass of water if she would like a drink prior to , particulary beneficial after the massage.
Massage Time; I provide clear instructions to Judy about;
where to hang her clothes
how much of her clothing to remove
how to get on the table,where to place her head,body position
which drapes to place over herself.
To give Judy some privacy while she gets ready, I explain that I am nowing leaving the room to wash my hands,and will be back in 5 minutes and will knock before entering to make sure she is ready.
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