Trammel 1

Taylor Trammel
Graduation Project
Hefner
18 March 2015
Massage Therapy
The heart uses a hand to softly and gently touch the heart of another in ways words can
never hope to understand (Walker 20). Stress takes a tremendous toll on our bodies; to reduce
stress many people turn to the magic hands of massage therapists. There are many different
aspects of massage therapy such as anatomy, which includes our skin, soft tissue, and the
internal affairs of the body. There are also many benefits physically, mentally, and emotionally. If
a person does not receive enough physical affection and touch, there are some serious
disadvantages. Massage can not only improve the quality of production of an individual, but can
also improve their quality of life.
Anatomy is a crucial aspect to massage therapy. The soft tissue responds to the touch of a
massage therapist (Clay 6). To soothe a tender point where there is no bruising, massage
therapists use release (Clay 10). The term release is commonly used by massage therapist to
refer to the softening and lengthening of soft tissue in response to therapy (Clay 10). Massage
therapists must be knowledgeable about the human body in order to be successful. If the therapist
is not educated on the anatomy of the body, they can cause damage to the soft tissue, which can
cause pain and result in serious injury.
Skin is the largest sensory organ in the body and it is the most important aspect of how
one perceives touch (Walker 15). In addition, the skin on our hands is extremely sensitive, so that
we can give touch as well as receive it (Walker 15). A piece of skin the size of a quarter

Trammel 2

contains 3 feet of blood vessels, 12 feet of nerves, 25 nerve endings. (Walker 15). This means
that our skin is capable of perceiving even the most subtle touch. We use our hands to do almost
everything in a our daily lives. They are tough enough to endure actions, such as building
wooden structures or cleaning with chemicals, but also sensitive enough to feel light touch.
Our brains are also affected by massage. The body has an inner intelligence that often
responds to touch according to whats needed at that particular time (Burman 186). Our brain
knows that we need touch to survive, and tells the rest of the body to respond to this sensation.
Everything in the body is connected and controlled by the brain (Clay 6). The soft tissue that is
affected by massage is connected to the brain which is then affected in a positive way. The
endorphin and serotonin levels increase which promotes states of well-being and bliss (Burman
187).
There are many emotional, mental, and physical benefits to massage therapy. When one
receives a massage, chemical messengers in the skin communicate with the thymus gland, one
of the immune systems major control centers (Walker 17). The skin is the first point of contact
when it comes to massage therapy. The nerves in the skin then send messages to the brain which
then sends messages to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system contains the glands that are
crucial to the function of the immune system. If one has a healthy immune system, they have
better defenses against sickness so they are all around healthier. It can be concluded that getting a
massage improves the function of our immune system. Not only does a massage benefit us
physically, but also mentally and emotionally through stress release.
Massage therapy lowers stress levels. Massage induces theta brainwave activity,
promoting deeper relaxation and problem solving (Burman 187). Massage therapy also
decreases cortisol levels levels which lowers our stress levels (Walker 17). If one is less stressed,

Trammel 3

they are more productive in their lives and jobs. They can be happier which makes them desire to
work harder. It can be concluded that massage therapy improves production levels at work or
school. Along with stress reduction, massage therapy lowers aggression levels.
Massage therapy decreases our aggression levels. In a study done by researchers at The
University of Miami School of medicine, massage therapy reduced participants anxiety levels
which therefore reduced aggression levels. The researchers defined aggression as destructive
behavior with intent to inflict harm or physical damage. (Diego 2). They also explain that
mood disturbance including anxiety and depression have been associated with aggression
(Diego 2). Participants in the study reported that they felt significantly less anxious after a 20minute session on both the first and last days of treatment (Diego 5). In addition, participants
reported feeling less hostile after receiving a massage (Diego 5). This study proves that
massage therapy can lower the bullying levels in schools. This could in turn lower suicide rates if
pre-teens and adolescents.
Touch permeates our lives in a very subtle yet influential way (Walker 8). Physical
touch is imperative to a happy, healthy, and long life. If we do not receive enough physical touch
as infants, our skin lacks the ability to perceive touch as adults (Walker 15). This could explain
why some people do not enjoy massages. They cannot physically perceive the touch of a
massage therapist as positive, because they were not exposed as infants. This can affect their
relationships with others.
In addition, the lack of physical touch as adults can affect our lives in substantial ways.
When a person does not receive enough touch, one can become angry, resentful, manipulative, or
depressed (Walker 13). This is due to the hormone levels in our body. As stated earlier, massage
therapy lowers stress levels, and stress levels affect how we act to others. This can therefore

Trammel 4

affect production levels at work or school. Also, this can affect our quality of life. Adults who do
not receive enough touch often turn to excesses of food, drugs, work, exercise, alcohol, and sex.
An excess of anything can have negative consequences. For example, food is necessary to live,
but too much can create serious health issues. So, touch is essential to survival; even animals use
touch to survive.
Massage, or rubbing on a sore spot, is instinctual. When dogs and cats are in pain, or
have a wound that is healing, it is almost impossible to keep them from licking the area.
(Walker 35). Animals and humans have the instinctual desire to touch a wound. Massage has
been around since ancient times. The earliest evidence of the practice of massage was in 2760
B.C. in a medical text in China known as the Nei Ching (Walker 35). In addition evidence of
massage being used to heal in ancient times was found in India, Greece, and Rome (Walker 35).
The history of massage includes the discussion of the invaluable practice of Swedish massage.
The history of Swedish massage is valuable. In the 19th century, Per Henrik Ling
developed a system of exercises and massages that have been used worldwide (Clay 4). This
proves that Swedish massage has been influential. This system profoundly influenced the birth
and development of physical therapy, and the massage elements of his system became what is
known today as Swedish massage. (Clay 4). Swedish massage was originally used only for the
wealthy, but in the last 30 to 40 years became used for medical practices (Clay 4). Despite the
medical benefits of massage, one can not expect to miraculously be cured from all diseases by
simply getting a massage.
Although massage therapy is beneficial to our lives, massages are not a cure all for every
illness. Sometimeshealing does not always mean that the body is pain-free or disease free.
Healing can mean clarity for a mind that is worried or the calming of emotions in turmoil

Trammel 5

(Walker 5). Massage is a mind relief therapy because it reduces stress and balances our bodies.
Challenges to homeostasis come in the form of stressors, stimuli or agents that elicit a
response from the body. (Burman 181). This means that things that can cause stress, upsets our
internal homeostasis. This can therefore lead to other complications internally and also in our
social lives.
Massage therapists must be aware of their own bodies in order to provide a successful
massage. It is necessary for a therapist to be healthy to give good service. Massage therapists
often receive massages on a regular basis in order to keep robust enough to give a massage. They
must use their own bodies to perform a massage. Essentially, they must not use their muscle
force but rather use their body weight (Clay 5).
Massage therapy is an undervalued healing technique that needs to be appreciated.
Everyone should treat themselves to a massage at least once. Students would particularly benefit
from massages because of the stress of school. Also those who have jobs that are either
physically or mentally straining, would benefit from massages. Massage therapy can improve
everyones quality of life.

Trammel 6

Works Cited
Burman, Iris, and Sandy Friedland. Touch Abilities: Essential Connections. Clifton Park, NY:
Thomson Delmar Learning, 2006. Print.
Clay, James H., and David M. Pounds. Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy
and Treatment. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003. Print.
Diego, Miguel A., et al. "Aggressive Adolescents Benefit From Massage Therapy." Adolescence
37.147 (2002): 597. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
Walker, Marsha Jelonek., and Jonathan D. Walker. Healing Massage: A Simple Approach.
Albany, NY: Delmar Learning, 2003. Print.