What Are the Benefits of Massage on the Circulatory System?

Massage, especially when performed by a professional massage therapist, benefits at least 10 systems in the human body. Massage is beneficial to the respiratory, digestive, muscular, reproductive, genito-urinary, lymphatic, skeletal and nervous systems by maintaining their health and helping to prevent illness. However, perhaps the greatest benefit of massage is its positive effect on the circulatory system.

Effects on the Heart and Blood

• Although a therapeutic massage affects the entire body, one of its most profound effects is enhancing both the quality and quantity of blood flowing through the veins and arteries. This increased blood flow benefits the heart because as the arteries dilate, the heart rate is reduced, thus strengthening the heart.

  Dilated arteries mean more fluid is flowing to and from tissues and organs. More nutrients are exchanged in the process, which promotes and maintains health. Any waste materials produced by the metabolism are also more quickly and more efficiently removed. Swelling of tissues due to contusions is reduced and tissue healing is accelerated.

  Massage improves the blood itself. A therapeutic massage increases the amount of oxygen blood carries to tissues, heightens the number of red blood cells and lowers blood pressure due to the greater dilation of capillaries.

Circulatory-Lymphatic Pairing

• Therapeutic massage circulates blood faster and in greater quantities through the superficial veins of the body. This increased blood volume aids the lymphatic system, so much so that a special circulatory-lymphatic pairing occurs as these two systems work together.

  Lymph is a clear liquid derived from blood plasma; after it has absorbed metabolic waste, water, bacteria, viruses, cellular debris and dissolved gases, it is itself reabsorbed into the blood vessels and carries proteins back to the blood. The more blood that flows through the veins, the better the lymphatic system can function to rid cells of destructive elements. Massage facilitates this process in flushing more blood and fluids through the veins, enhancing the immune system.

Massage Movements

• Massage movements and techniques influence both blood and lymph channels in the body. In a professional therapeutic massage, the movement is always towards the heart. Otherwise, blood is forced backward in the veins and this could damage veins and capillaries.

  When light stroking toward the heart occurs during a massage, the capillaries are temporarily dilated, which increases blood flow to the heart. A more lasting dilation of the capillaries occurs during deep stroking. When light pressure is used during a massage, the blood vessels contract, relaxing them as the movement continues.

  The friction used in massage increases capillary bed permeability. More fluid is then available in the body which creates a better and healthier environment for body cells. Kneading the muscles has an effect on the deeper arteries and veins, dilating them and increasing their blood flow.