We all know that Massage is good for us, but do you know exactly Why? Healing Hands School of Holistic Health has a passion for educating students and clients about the Why of all things related to massage and the body. No curriculum better demonstrates this passion than our comprehensive, 100 Hour Anatomy for Body-workers course. In this course students are given a deeper look into the fascinating world of the human body. Instructor presents a detailed exploration of the body’s many Systems, their function, how they serve the ‘whole body’, and how they are affected by massage. Below are a few “fun facts” shared in class……
Digestive System: This system is quick to respond to stress. Something unexpected comes up, throwing off our thoughtfully planned day and immediately we feel “knots in our stomachs” as our anxiety level sores. Fortunately, regular massage has a regulating effect on the digestive system. In addition to inspiring tight stomach muscles and intestines to relax, properly applied, a stomach massage helps to mobilize food through the digestive system, aiding in the assimilation of nutrients and facilitating elimination. It also reduces symptoms such as flatulence and constipation.
The Nervous System: The nervous system is a highly complex network that relays messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The part of the nervous system which regulates many physiological functions leaves the brain at the base of the skull and runs down the spinal cord. Millions of nerve endings run throughout the body controlling much of the way it functions. Depending on the depth of the massage movements used, the nerve endings can be stimulated or soothed.
The Integumentary System (The Skin!): Massage helps to exfoliate superficial dead skin cells of the body which increases circulation and facilitates cell renewal. Massage also helps maintain the collagen fibers in your skin which give it elasticity and strength (tone) and can help keep wrinkles at bay.
The Muscular System: Massage creates an increase in blood flow, thus allowing the bloods vital nutrients to circulate more efficiently. Massage is popular among sports enthusiasts because it can improve muscle tone, restore mobility, optimize performance and ensure the elimination of waste products. Massage before exercise, can help loosen and warm up muscles. After exercise massage can ease soreness, relieve leg cramps, relax stiff muscles, increase range of motion, and help strains and sprains to heal more quickly.
Circulatory System: By dilating the blood vessels, Massage increases the bloods circulation throughout the body. A good circulatory system means that an sufficient supply of the blood’s nutrients and oxygen reach the billions of individual cells in the body. This is vital for the healthy functioning of the whole body, from the muscles to internal organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Lymphatic System: The lymph system absorbs and eliminates waste substances within the body. Unlike blood circulation, which has the heart to pump it around, the lymphatic system has no pump of its own and is dependent on muscular action to get its work done. The increase in blood circulation caused by Massage helps to accelerate the Lymphatic System. Massage speeds the flow of lymph, encouraging a more effective filtering and elimination of waste throughout the body. An efficient lymphatic system provides the body with a strong immune system to fight against infections and disease.
At Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, you can learn all about these and other body systems in our 100-hour Anatomy for Body-workers class. For more information call us at 800.355.6463 you will be prompted to press 1 for Escondido, 2 for Laguna Hills, 3 for Kearny Mesa