Did you know your skin is the largest organ of the body? It provides many functions everyday that we can often take for granted. Some of these functions are:
• Protection from the elements
• First line of defense against bacteria’s and viruses
• Regulation of body temperature
• Elimination of waste
• Production of Vitamin D
• House to various nerve endings allowing us to sense temperature, pressure and pain.
An important link to the inside
The skin is anchored to the body by a thin film of connective tissue called fascia which supports blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics. This is important because the skin then becomes our direct link to all the underlying structures of the body.
By systematically massaging the skin you affect nutrition to the body by encouraging blood flow from outlying structures to the lungs where it is replenished with oxygen and to the small intestines where is replenished with nutrients from our food.
Detoxifying the body
Massage also encourages the flow of the lymphatics. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels responsible for fluid balance and immune system support. As we consume food and toxins or absorb toxins from our environment, the lymphatic system is key in removing them from our body and delivering them to the organs that are able to eliminate them.
Certain massage techniques like trigger point therapy help to bring nutrition to specific areas of the body where inflammation exists and hence malnutritioned nerves. When a trigger point is pressed, a brief period of ischemia is produced and the nerve exhausted. When the trigger point is released, fresh blood and lymph rush in bathing the cells with nutrition and carrying away toxins.
The Radiant You
Finally, regular massage allows the skin to remain hydrated and can over time make the skin more supple and radiant. Massage….feels so good and good for you as well!
Melissa Jarufe, 2012
