Bodyworkers and the Nervous
System
The beneficial effects of bodywork on the nervous system is
undisputed, but are too complex and difficult to explain in terms of anatomy
and physiology, with many aspects still a mystery. Also, the effects are hard
to quantify because they seem to vary from per-son to person. The effects of
massage techniques on the nervous system have been described in detail.
Manipulative techniques produce changes in function in a variety
of ways. An array of stimuli, such as cutaneous receptors, smell, sight, and
sound, are used by bodyworkers to affect the nervous system. Changes throughout
the nervous system could be reflex effects, such as relaxation of muscle,
vasodilatation, and changes in blood flow; psychological effects, such as those
that occur in the mind, emotions, or behavior; and psychoneuroimmunologic
effects, such as those produced by alteration in hormone levels and immune
functions even as the mind is affected.
Research indicates that the relaxation produced, with the lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and res-piratory rate, is primarily a result of stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.5 Interestingly, research on the effect of aromatherapy has shown characteristic changes in recordings of brain wave patterns on using essential oils believed to be stimu-latory or relaxing. For example, wave patterns dimin-ished (indicating relaxation) on using the relaxing oil marjoram and increased (indicating stimulation) on using oils such as lemon. There is evidence that mas-sage can reduce anxiety and depression in children with behavioral problems and others. Massage is certainly an effective way of reducing stress levels.5 Sleep patterns have also been shown to be affected by massage.
Therapeutic manipulation seems to reduce pain by interrupting the
pain-spasm-pain cycle.5It reduces pressure on nerves by initiating a relaxation of local
muscles, increasing blood flow, and removal of chemicals that stimulate pain
receptors. These techniques have been shown to result in the release of
endorphins, the natural painkillers. By stimulating large, myeli-nated touch
and pressure nerve fibers, such tech- niques result in the inhibition of
impulses through the pain pathway (gate control theory). Much of the ef-fects of
massage are also a result of stimulation of pro-prioceptors (muscle spindles,
Golgi tendon organs, and joint receptors). Careful stimulation of these
re-ceptors can reflexively cause relaxation or contraction of stimulated
muscles, antagonistic muscles, and even the muscles of the opposite side. In
those with paralysis, such reflexes may help alter tone of the paralyzed
muscles. How-ever, care should be taken when massaging such clients to prevent
stimulation of the mass reflex that is accompanied by many autonomic responses.
Release of trigger points also helps interrupt thepain-spasm-pain cycle. In
addition, the rapport of the bodyworker with the client and the relaxing
colors, aroma, and music also play an important part.
Given the array of stimuli that bodyworkers seem to use to produce
the desired effect on the client, it is important for them to consider the
sensitivity of the client to various forms of stimuli.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.