Austin Body Systems and Massage
Skeletal and Central Nervous System
The deepest layer of the body includes the skeletal system and the central nervous system. The bones act as levers within the muscular system and protect vital organs and the nervous system, as well as producing blood and immune cells. Most manipulation of the bony structures is performed by chiropractors and osteopaths, and massage therapists are not licensed to perform this type of adjustment. However, massage modalities such as Zero Balancing and Craniosacral Manipulation work directly with the bones using extremely gentle techniques to reestablish normal articulation and balance.
The nervous system is responsible for processing information from inside and outside the body and directing responses in movement, body functions, and behavior. Particularly of interest in massage are a) proprioceptors b) nociceptors and c) the parasympathetic nervous response.
Proprioceptors tell the brain where the body is located in space in relation to a particular set point – ie where the body thinks it should be. In the case of chronic postural misalignment, the proprioceptors have a faulty set point: it feels “normal” to be out of line. Techniques such as Positional Release/Orthobionomy, Hellerwork, Feldenkreis or the Alexander Technique seek to reeducate the nervous system to return to more functional set points.
Nociceptors perceive pain. When stimulated mechanically or due to toxicity in the tissues, they tend to produce a protective contraction response in the muscle. This can produce a pain-spasm-pain cycle, in which contraction and a decrease in localized circulation increases metabolic toxins, which further irritate the nerve, causing increased contraction. Often this nervous irritation can cause referred pain which mimics more serious conditions. Trigger point therapy, Neuromuscular therapy, and similar techniques use pressure on these contracted points to interrupt the pain cycle.
The parasympathetic nervous system works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system, and controls the “non-essential” aspects of body function, such as digestion, immune activity, and tissue regeneration. When a danger is perceived, the sympathetic nervous system takes over in the “fight or flight” response, mobilizing resources for immediate action. One of the troubles of modern life is that constant stresses keep the sympathetic nervous system partially activated at all times. As a result, our regenerative processes cannot function optimally. This is a primary reason why so many diseases are said to be stress-related. All forms of massage help to deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby relieving stress and improving digestion, sleep, recovery times, and immune function.
Fascia is a form of connective tissue which surrounds and permeates all layers of the body in strong but flexible sheaths. In the muscle tissue, fascia surrounds each muscle fiber, separates each individual muscle, and fuses together at the ends of muscles to form the tendons which secure muscle to bone. The fascia of the body can be thought of as one continuous web of semi-solid gel, almost like plastic wrap. A restriction of the fascia in one area pulls on the fascia in all directions, which can lead to symptoms in distant areas of the body. The relative solidity of the fascia in a particular area depends on the amount of water, heat, movement, and mechanical tension: habitual movements (or lack of movement) can reshape and harden the fascia to reflect these patterns, thereby restricting movement in different patterns, inhibiting full relaxation, and often pulling bony structures out of alignment. Most massage modalities which use the terms "deep tissue" or "myofascial" focus on releasing restrictions in fascia, although many therapists advertise "deep tissue" in order to indicate deep pressure or trigger point work.
Muscular System
The muscular system is responsible for movement and, with the surrounding fascia, for positioning the bony structures and maintaining posture. It also plays an important role in circulation, acting as a mechanical pump to push blood through the venous system back toward the heart. Nearly all forms of massage include specific attention to the muscles. Swedish massage in particular focuses on reducing muscular tension and increasing circulation. Sports massage also focuses on the muscular system (especially muscle groups used by a particular sport) though it may use elements of deep tissue massage.
Lymphatic System
The role of the lymphatic system is often overlooked by the public and medical professionals alike. The lymphatic system consists of vessels and capillaries analogous to those of the venous system. It is responsible for collecting the interstitial fluid (the liquid surrounding all the cells of the body) and all its contents, filtering it in the lymph nodes, and returning the cleansed fluid to the blood. It is a major component of the immune system, with 80% of immune cells residing in the lymph nodes. Muscular tension compresses the lymph capillary beds, reducing their ability to cleanse the tissues. Therefore all massage affects and improves lymphatic circulation. In addition, some massage therapists are trained in Lymphatic Drainage, which uses extremely light pressure to stretch the skin and dilate the capillaries. Lymphatic drainage is effective for detoxification, reducing swelling and boosting the immune system, and may have positive impact on numerous specific conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Energy-based modalities are designed to affect the energy field believed to surround and permeate the body. This energy (called chi/qi in oriental medicine and prana in Ayurveda) is considered the animating force of a living being, and disturbances in its flow may precede or accompany illness. While Western medicine does not recognize the existence of this type of energy, numerous studies indicate the effectiveness of energy modalities in stress and pain relief, reduced healing time, and other specific applications such as weight loss. Depending on the tradition, the practitioner may stretch, compress, lightly touch, or hold the hands a few inches away from the body. Acupuncture, acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Reiki, Chakra balancing, Polarity therapy, Healing Touch, and numerous other techniques focus on balancing and increasing energy flow in the body. Self care and meditative techniques such as Qi Gong, T’ai Chi, Yoga, and many martial arts also recognize and seek to balance and channel energy flow.
by Catherine Collett
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