The largest organ in the human body is our skin. Scientifically, skin is known as the integumentary system. We don't generally pay a lot of attention to our skin, despite its size; but it is truly a phenomenal design. An average persons skin is about 1 to 2 square meters and weighs anywhere from 9 to 11 pounds. There are three layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Massage therapy has its benefits for all three.
The outer layer of skin, which communicates directly with our environment, is the epidermis. The epidermis serves as a protective layer and aids in temperature regulation. Skin can be thick or thin, depending on where it is located. Human touch was proven to be of significant value during the war, when the mortality rate of infants receiving human touch was found to be much lower than that of infants deprived of human touch.
Going just beneath the surface we find the dermis, which is actually made up of two layers, the papillary and reticular layers. Immediately below the epidermis one finds a loosely woven mat of elastin and collagen fibers called the papillary layer. About 80% of skins thickness comes from the deep reticular layer, which is found directly beneath the papillary mat. The reticular layer is a dense layer of irregular connective tissue containing thick bundles of interlacing collagen fibers. Fibers run along many planes however most of the fibers are found running parallel to the skin's surface. The dermis' reticular layer is home to capillaries, nerve endings, touch receptors, glands, veins, arteries, and hair. Massage therapy, whether a special treat or a regular part of your life, is known to promote healthy gland activity, and aids the body in toxin removal.
The hypodermis (or superficial fascia) isn't really considered skin, but rather a subcutaneous layer of areolar and adipose tissues. Fibers extend from the dermis and anchor the skin to the hypodermis, which in turn adheres to underlying tissues and organs. The hypodermis is host to body fat and blood vessels. Generally, pressure sensitive nerve endings (pacinian corpuscles) are housed in the hypodermis, but they can sometimes be found in the reticular layer of the dermis as well. As a part of the normal aging process, the hypodermis looses some of it flexibility which can result in pain when moving. A massage therapist can manipulate the skin without the aid of tools or oil to find areas where the fascia has become inflexible or rigid. The sensitive fingers of a therapist applies pressure continuously to a region facilitating the release of the superficial fascia, thereby increasing flexibility and relieving pain.
Emotionally, massage therapy is recognized to help lessen stress, it has a positive impact on depression and anxiety, and normally creates a general state of well being for the recipient. No body system is an island onto itself. Rather it is part of a delicate balance of interactive systems responding to the world. The benefits of therapeutic massage are multiplied significantly when the olfactory system (sense of smell) is stimulated through the use of essential oils and aromatherapy, at the same time the integumentary system is stimulated through therapeutic massage.
Our bodies are a delicate balance of interactive systems reacting in harmony to the input of outside stimuli; so, we think is our globe. As you take part in massage, either through giving or receiving, remaining cognoscente of the Body, Mind, Spirit connection and the interdependence of all things, healing occurs on several levels.
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