Any type of massage is mechanical manipulations with certain body parts. At first glance, it may seem that only the skin, muscles, and joints benefit from it. However, in fact, the first impact of such therapy is felt by your nervous system. Modern scientific research proved massage positively affects many aspects of the body. Read all about massagers and popular massage techniques’ benefits for the nervous system in this post.
What Is the Nervous System
The nervous system is a branched neural system that runs throughout the organism. We have a central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) and a peripheral one, consisting of nerve fibers and cells. The PNS acts as a connector between the CNS parts. There are also somatic and vegetative systems. The first includes the skin, musculoskeletal system, and sensory organs and provides communication with the CNS. The second unites the digestive, excretory, respiratory system, and internal organs.
Based on this information, you can conclude that nerve receptors that activate certain areas of the nervous system and brain are literally on every part of your body. Their stimulation through massage can positively change the functioning of your organs, which means it can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment. It does not matter whether you choose manual massage in a specialist’s office or prefer self-massage using specialized devices.
Massage Benefits for Nervous System
A massage, like any other therapy, can have different effects depending on the susceptibility of a particular organism. Experts note the following positive impacts:
- stimulation of brain activity;
- slowing heartbeat;
- improvement of nerve conduction;
- raising the level of oxytocin;
- lowering of nervousness and anxiety;
- alleviation of anorexia, migraines, and sleep disorders.
There is a proven scientific explanation for all of this. The fact is that massage therapists or massagers stimulate nerve endings. They transmit signals to various brain areas. According to scientists, the deeper the impact, the more effective massage for your brain. After receiving these signals from the nerve endings of the skin and muscles, the brain produces various neurotransmitters and proteins that stimulate the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Not only does massage decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine, but it also reduces activity in the right frontal brain lobe and enhances it in the left, which promotes peace of mind and an improved mental state.
Undeniable Pros of Massage for the Whole Body
Any massage can improve overall well-being and assist in the fight against many diseases. In the first case, you can learn simple self-massage techniques and use massagers by choosing the device that suits you according to technical specifications and reviews. In the second case, in the presence of serious diseases, it is better to first consult with your doctor to choose the optimal method and frequency of sessions. In addition to a positive effect on the nervous system, massage improves the work of the digestive, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and lymphatic systems, muscles, skin, and even breathing.
