Stroke direction does matter in massage. Massage should be performed in movements going towards the heart, because it helps your circulatory system return blood to your heart and lungs to be re-oxygenated.
The function of your heart is to pump blood that has been oxygenated by the lungs to all parts of the body through the arteries. On the return trip, the veins move the blood from the organs back to the heart by muscle contraction and valves. These valves prevent the blood from moving in the wrong direction. If you were to massage away from the heart you would be working against the natural flow and could damage valves. The heart returns the deoxygenated blood to the lungs in order to introduce a fresh supply of oxygen to the body.
The Benefits of Stimulating the Circulatory System
Massage movements in support of the circulatory system and venous return provide the following benefits:
- reduction in tension
- increase in relaxation leading to vasodilation (expanding the diameter of the blood vessels), which in turn reduces blood pressure and the heart rate (reducing the risk of chronic heart disease)
- improvements in the delivery of oxygen to the heart and rest of body
- speeding up of metabolic waste removal from the body
- improvements in lymph flow and drainage, reducing the impact of any tissue damage or swelling
- more efficient delivery of nutrients to the cells and organs of the body, thereby aiding repair of any damaged muscles or tissues
- increasing muscle temperature to improve tissue elasticity and flexibility (thus reducing spasms and tightness of muscles)
- less pain associated with muscle fatigue
The position, speed and direction of the movements will vary depending on aim of technique and the part of the body being massaged. For example, long, stroking movements may be used on the legs and arms, while a more circular motion may be preferred for the back and neck.
What Studies Have Shown
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