The nervous system and the effect of massage on its functioning. Effect of massage on the body Effect of massage on the nervous and muscular systems

The nervous system is the first to perceive mechanical irritation applied to the patient's skin by the hands of the masseur during the procedure.

Using various massage techniques, changing their strength and duration of exposure, it is possible to change the functional state of the cerebral cortex, reduce or increase the excitability of the central nervous system, enhance impaired reflexes, improve nutrition and gas exchange of nerve fibers and the conduction of nerve impulses.

The nervous system and especially its central parts play one of the decisive roles in the mechanism of involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in response to vibration stimulation and take part in the implementation of protective and adaptive reactions of the body. Moreover, the effect of certain massage techniques (for example, vibration) on the body is carried out with the participation of the higher parts of the central nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, which is confirmed by the possibility of a conditioned vascular reflex to a mechanical stimulus (massage techniques). Consequently, the body's reaction to the effect of massage is carried out due to the closure of the reflex arc at various levels from axon reflex or segmental reflexes to higher autonomic formations and the cerebral cortex.

The impact of massage techniques on any reflexogenic zone is accompanied by a general reaction of the body that goes beyond the irritated metamer, which is of an adaptive nature. Regardless of the place of exposure, the energy supply of the body naturally increases, which is confirmed by the intensification of tissue respiration and redox processes in the tissues. Under the influence, for example, of mechanical vibrational energy (vibration), a dependence of changes in the functions of adequate sensory systems on the parameters of the physical factor is observed to one degree or another.

Under the influence of massage, the excitability of the nervous system can increase or decrease, depending on its functional state and the method of massage effects. For example, stroking produces positive emotions, a pleasant state of calm and relaxation. At the same time, vigorous massage techniques (for example, kneading) can cause unpleasant sensations, unfavorable vegetative reactions.

It has been established that the leading role in the formation of pain belongs to the cerebral cortex and that pain can decrease or completely disappear under the influence of a conditioned stimulus. Such an irritant is massage, provided that it is applied strictly according to indications, taking into account the functional state of the body, the stage and form of the disease. An adequate response of the body to the effects of various massage techniques is manifested by a pleasant sensation of warmth, relieving muscle tension, reducing the pain component, and improving overall well-being. On the contrary, if massage intensifies pain, causes adverse reactions of the cardiovascular system, vascular spasms, manifestation of general weakness, then its conduct is contraindicated. It has been established that the most pronounced reaction from the affected organ can be obtained when a certain skin zone is stimulated by massage, which is associated with the diseased organ by segmental-reflex relationships. For example, the heart reacts to massage techniques in the C7 region of the vertebral body and the left subclavian region, the stomach to massage irritation in the Ths region of the vertebral body or abdominal skin in the region of the stomach projection onto the anterior abdominal wall. When the area of the sacrum is beaten, intestinal peristalsis increases. Massage of the lumbosacral and lower thoracic spine has a regulating effect on the circulation of the pelvic organs and lower extremities. Such zones are called reflexogenic. They are rich in vegetative innervation. Selective massage in these areas is called reflex-segmental massage.

Massage also has a pronounced effect on the peripheral nervous system, improving blood circulation, redox and metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.

The use of different massage techniques and their combinations is called a massage procedure. The procedure can be local, when individual segments of the body are massaged, and general, when the whole body is massaged.

Local massage has a stimulating effect on the neuromuscular apparatus and redox processes in muscles, has a beneficial effect on weakened muscles, improves regenerative processes in case of damage to bones and joints, increases muscle tone in case of sluggishness and normalizes it in case of spastic paralysis, etc. massage can be used in the area of severe pain, swelling of tissues and other pathological changes in them or in the area of unchanged tissues (for example, when immobilizing a damaged limb, a healthy limb is massaged). The resulting impulses reflexively affect the affected limb.

Under the influence of general massage, blood circulation and contractility of the heart muscle improve, blood flow to the heart increases, stagnation in tissues and organs decreases, all types of metabolism, the secretory function of organs increase, urine output increases, the excretion of urea, uric acid, sodium chloride and other salts. General massage helps to lower high blood pressure and improve respiratory function. There are almost no diseases for which massage would not be indicated in the general complex of therapeutic measures.

V. Epifanov, I. Rolik

"The effect of massage on the nervous system" and other articles from the section

Massage improves the functional ability of the central nervous system, enhances its regulatory and coordinating function, stimulates regenerative processes and processes for restoring the function of peripheral nerves.

The excitability of the nervous system, depending on its initial functional state and massage technique, may decrease or increase. It is known, in particular, that subjective sensations during massage are usually manifested by positive emotions of a pleasant state of calm, freshness and lightness. At the same time, massage can also have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. With incorrectly established indications and the selection of a technique, the effect of massage can manifest itself as a deterioration in the general condition, irritability, general weakness, pain in the tissues or increased pain in the pathological focus, up to an exacerbation of the process. When practicing massage, one should not allow the appearance of pain, since painful stimuli reflexively cause a number of unfavorable vegetative reactions, which may be accompanied by an increase in the level of adrenaline and glucose in the blood, an increase in blood pressure and blood clotting.

In the laboratory of I.P. Pavlov it was established that the leading role in the formation of the feeling of pain belongs to the cerebral cortex and that the reaction to pain stimulation can be suppressed by a conditioned stimulus. Such an irritant is massage, if it is applied differentially according to indications, taking into account the state of reactivity of the patient's body, the form and stage of his disease. An adequate response to the massage procedure is manifested by a pleasant sensation of tissue warming, relaxation of their tension, pain relief, and improvement of general well-being. If massage increases pain, causes adverse reactions from the cardiovascular and other systems, is accompanied by the appearance of general weakness, deterioration of the patient's well-being, such procedures are contraindicated. In such cases, it is necessary to more carefully, differentially select the technique and dosage. In elderly people, a negative reaction to massage can manifest itself in the form of pain, hemorrhages in the skin, vasospasm, increased muscle tone (AF Verbov, 1966). When a massage is prescribed to patients in the acute period of the disease, paradoxical reactions of the borderline sympathetic trunk can be observed, expressed by increased pain, stiffness, deterioration of the contractile function of the myocardium and peripheral circulation, and a decrease in the electrical activity of muscles.

Applying massage manipulations differentiated in form, strength and duration, it seems possible to change the functional state of the cerebral cortex, reduce or increase general nervous excitability, enhance deep and revive lost reflexes, improve tissue trophism, as well as the activity of various internal organs and tissues (A.F. . Verbov, 1966).

VM Andreeva and NA Belaya (1965) studied the effect of massage on the functional state of the cerebral cortex in patients with cervicothoracic and lumbosacral radiculitis. According to electroencephalography data, the authors found that after massage (lumbar region, leg, back, arm), the indicators of the bioelectrical activity of the cerebral cortex improved. Under the influence of massage, an increase in the severity of the alpha rhythm, a slight increase in its index and amplitude, an improvement in the vibration shape, and more distinct reactions to a light stimulus were noted. At the same time, the registered changes "were more pronounced on the side opposite to the massaged one, and in the case of sympathetic nodes affection, on the side of exposure." N. A. Belaya also points out that under the influence of massage there is an increase in the lability of the receptor apparatus of the skin.

IM Sarkizov-Serazini (1957) noted that weak strokes have a calming effect, and with prolonged action are one of the most effective "local anesthetic and anesthetic agents." Massage techniques act on the basis of reflex acts, and a conditioned reflex can be formed for any effect of massage techniques. If stroking is used as a conditioned stimulus and a conditioned reflex is developed to it, then other tactile stimuli of the skin can cause a conditioned reaction.

EI Sorokina (1966), observing patients with neurasthenia with increased sensitivity of the heart region to various improving contractile function. Massage of the heart area lowers the sensitivity of skin receptors to painful irritations and promotes the appearance of an inhibitory reaction on the part of the central nervous system. Light stroking and rubbing of the precordial region, at first short-term (from 4 minutes) with a gradual increase in their duration to 8-12 minutes during the course of treatment (10-12 procedures), are, according to the author, training of the heart region to external stimuli. Light monotonous irritations, gradually increasing in time, contribute not only to the training of skin receptors for external stimuli, but also cause inhibition at the cortical end of the skin analyzer, which, radiating, can help restore the disturbed balance of the brain.

Metameric relationships between internal organs and skin explain the possibility of metameric and segmental reflex reactions in the body. These reactions include viscero-cutaneous reflexes (Zakharyin-Ged zones), viscero-motor reflexes (Mackenzie zones), viscero-visceral and other reflexes. By influencing the reflexogenic zones, which are rich in vegetative innervation and are associated with the skin by metameric relationships, with massage techniques, it is possible to exert a reflex therapeutic effect on the pathologically altered activity of various tissues and internal organs (Fig. 8, 9). There is a two-way connection between striated and unstated muscle tissue of internal organs and blood vessels: an increase in the tone of striated muscle tissue contributes to an increase in the tone of unstated muscle tissue and vice versa. It is known, for example, that mental stress is accompanied by increased electrical activity of muscles, as well as zonal or generalized tension of striated muscle tissue. The greater the mental load and the stronger the fatigue, the stronger the generalized muscle tension (A. A. Krauklis, 1964). According to the observations of N.A. Akimova (1970), in most cases, with fatigue, points of increased muscle tone are localized in the region of the cervical and thoracic segments from Dxv upwards on both sides of the spinal column. At the same time, in the neck (Civ-Cvni), interscapular region (Dn-Div), to the right and to the left of the spinal column (Dvi-Dvin), in front and below the clavicle (Di), clearly defined zones of hyperalgesia are often found. When studying the effectiveness of using some means of muscle relaxation for mental fatigue, it was found that in cases where there is a strong increase in muscle tone, as well as persistent emotional arousal that cannot be weakened, it is advisable to massage lightly in the region of the cervical and thoracic segments upward from Dxn.

A.V. Sirotkina (1964) studied changes in the bioelectric activity of muscles under the influence of massage in patients with paresis and paralysis of central origin. With severe stiffness and contractures, light stroking of the contracted flexors was used, and the weakened muscles were massaged with stroking and rubbing techniques. Based on electromyographic studies, it was found that such massage procedures reduce the excitability of the motor cells of the spinal cord, helping to improve the functional state of the neuromuscular system.

Massage has a pronounced effect on the peripheral nervous system. By activating the dynamics of the main nervous processes, massage improves blood circulation, redox and metabolic processes in the nervous tissue. It has been proven that massage causes pronounced reactive changes in the terminal parts of the nervous system. The study of microscopic preparations of the skin of experimental animals found that massage causes a variety of changes in skin receptors, ranging from irritation to destruction and decay, depending on the number of procedures. Such changes are dyschromia of axial cylinders, swelling of their neuroplasm, expansion of myelin notches and perineural sheaths. Massage has a stimulating effect on the regeneration of the nerve during its cutting, causing accelerated growth of axons, slowing down the maturation of scar tissue and more intensive resorption of decay products.

Vibration massage has the most pronounced reflex effect on the body. M. Ya. Breitman (1908) wrote that mechanical vibration "is capable of awakening to life that which is still viable."

The mechanism of action of vibration on the body is reduced to the perception of mechanical stimuli by the nerve receptors of tissues and the transmission of nerve impulses to the central nervous system, where sensations arise. Vibration sensitivity is a type of tactile sensitivity, considering it as the reception of intermittent pressure. However, a number of authors recognize the independence of vibration reception.

AE Shcherbak believed that vibration acts on the nerve endings in the periosteum, hence the excitation goes to the spinal cord and along special pathways to the cerebellum and other accumulating centers of the brain stem. He pointed out that the effect of vibration massage is selective and directed at nerve endings adapted to the perception of mechanical stimuli.

The effect of vibrations on the nervous system is closely related to the degree of excitability of the nerves. Weak vibrations cause excitement of inactive nerves, and relatively strong ones - a decrease in nervous excitability.

EK Sepp (1941) noted that vibration in trigeminal neuralgia causes not only vasomotor phenomena, but also long-term changes in the peripheral nervous system, manifested in a decrease in pain. At the same time, two phases are revealed in the mechanism of vibration action: in the first there is no anesthetic and vasodilating effect, and the vasoconstrictor effect is achieved; the second phase occurs after the first. Pain relief lasts from half an hour to several days. At a certain frequency of vibration, it can have a pronounced analgesic and even anesthetic effect. Vibration, possessing a pronounced reflex effect, causes an increase and sometimes restoration of extinct deep reflexes. Depending on the place of exposure and nature, vibration causes distant skin-visceral, motor-visceral and, in some cases, viscero-visceral reflexes.

The nervous system performs the most important function of the human body - regulatory. It is customary to distinguish between three parts of the nervous system:

the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord);

peripheral (nerve fibers connecting the brain and spinal cord with all organs);

vegetative, which controls the processes occurring in the internal organs, not subject to conscious control and management.

In turn, the autonomic nervous system is subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

The body's response to external stimulation through the nervous system is called a reflex. The reflex mechanism was thoroughly described in the works of the Russian physiologist I.P. Pavlov and his followers. They proved that higher nervous activity is based on temporary neural connections that are formed in the cerebral cortex in response to various external stimuli.

Massage affects the peripheral and central nervous systems. When massaging the skin, the nervous system is the first to react to mechanical irritation. In this case, a whole stream of impulses is sent to the central nervous system from numerous nerve-terminal organs that perceive pressure, tactile and various temperature stimuli.

Under the influence of massage, impulses appear in the skin, muscles and joints that excite the motor cells of the cerebral cortex and stimulate the activity of the corresponding centers.

The positive effect of massage on the neuromuscular apparatus depends on the type of massage techniques (pressure of the masseur's hands, duration of the passage, etc.) and is expressed in an increase in the frequency of contraction and relaxation of the Muscles and in musculocutaneous sensitivity.

We have already noted the fact that massage improves blood circulation. It, in turn, leads to an improvement in the blood supply to the nerve centers and peripheral nerve formations.

Experimental studies have shown that a severed nerve heals faster with regular massage of damaged tissue. Under the influence of massage, the growth of axons is accelerated, the formation of scar tissue slows down and the decay products are absorbed.

In addition, massage techniques help to reduce pain sensitivity, improve the excitability of nerves and the conduction of nerve impulses along the nerve.

If massage is carried out regularly for a long time, then it can acquire the character of a conditioned reflex stimulus.

Among the existing massage techniques, vibration (especially mechanical) has the most pronounced reflex effect.

Since the effect of the massage procedure, in its physiological essence, is mediated by nerve structures, massage therapy has a significant effect on the nervous system: it changes the ratio of excitation and inhibition processes (it can selectively calm - sedate or excite - tone the nervous system), improve adaptive responses, and increase the ability to withstand a stress factor. , increases the speed of regenerative processes in the peripheral nervous system.

Noteworthy is the work of IB Granovskaya (1960), who studied the effect of massage on the state of the peripheral nervous system of dogs in an experiment with transection of the sciatic nerve. It was found that the nervous component responds primarily to massage. At the same time, the greatest changes in the spinal ganglia and nerve trunks were noted after 15 massage sessions and were manifested by the acceleration of the sciatic nerve regeneration. Interestingly, with the continuation of the course of massage, the response of the body decreased. Thus, the dosage of the massage course was experimentally substantiated - 10 - 15 procedures.

The human somatic muscular system includes about 550 muscles located on the body in several layers and built from striated muscle tissue. Skeletal muscles are innervated by the anterior and posterior branches of the spinal nerves extending from the spinal cord, and are controlled by commands from the higher parts of the central nervous system - the cerebral cortex and controlled by commands from the higher parts of the central nervous system - the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers of the extrapyramidal system. Due to this, skeletal muscles are voluntary, i.e. able to contract, obeying a deliberate strong-willed command. This command, in the form of an electrical impulse, is sent from the cerebral cortex to the intercalary neurons of the spinal cord, which, based on extrapyramidal information, simulate the activity of motor nerve cells whose axons end directly on the muscles.

peripheral nervous system massage

The axons of motor neurons and the dendrites of sensory nerve cells that receive sensations from muscles and skin are combined into nerve trunks (nerves).

These nerves run along the bones and lie between the muscles. Pressing on the points of close proximity of the nerve trunks causes their irritation and "switching on" the arc of the skin-somatic reflex. In this case, the functional state of the muscles innervated by this nerve and the underlying tissues changes.

Under the influence of acupressure of the nerve trunks or grasping and linear massage of the muscles themselves, the number and diameter of the opened capillaries in the muscles increases. The fact is that the number of functioning muscle capillaries in a muscle is variable and depends on the state of the muscle and regulatory systems.

In a non-working muscle, narrowing and partial destruction of the capillary bed (decapillarization) occurs, which causes a narrowing of muscle tone, dystrophy of muscle tissue and clogging of the muscle with metabolites. Such a muscle cannot be considered completely healthy.

With massage, just like with physical exertion, the level of metabolic processes increases. The higher the metabolism in the tissue, the more there are functioning capillaries in it. It was proved that under the influence of massage the number of opened capillaries in the muscle reaches 1400 per 1 mm2 of the cross-section, and its blood supply increases 9-140 times (Kunichev L.A. 1985).

In addition, massage, unlike physical activity, does not cause the formation of lactic acid in the muscles. On the contrary, it promotes the washing out of kenotoxitins (the so-called poisons of movement) and metabolites, improves trophism, and accelerates the recovery processes in tissues.

As a result, massage has a general strengthening and therapeutic (in cases of myositis, hypertonicity, muscle atrophy, etc.) effect on the muscular system.

Under the influence of massage, the elasticity and tone of muscles increases, the contractile function also improves, strength increases, efficiency increases, fascia strengthens.

The influence of kneading techniques on the muscular system is especially great.

Kneading is an active stimulus and helps to maximize the performance of tired muscles, since massage is a kind of passive gymnastics for muscle fibers. An increase in working capacity is also observed when muscles are massaged that did not take part in physical work. This is due to the generation of sensitive nerve impulses under the influence of massage, which, entering the central nervous system, increase the excitability of the control centers of the massaged and adjacent muscles. Therefore, when individual muscle groups are tired, it is advisable to massage not only tired muscles, but also their anatomical and functional antagonists (Kunichev L.A. 1985).

The main task of massage is to restore the normal course of metabolic processes (metabolism, energy, bioenergy) in tissues, organs, organ systems. Of course, the formations of the cardiovascular system are of paramount importance here as a structural base, a kind of "transport network" for metabolism. This point of view is shared by both traditional and alternative medicine.

It was found that during massage therapy of local, segmental and meridian points, the lumen of aoteriol, precapillary sphincters and true capillaries expands. Such a massage effect on the underlying and projection vascular bed is realized through the following main factors:

1) an increase in the concentration of histamine - a biologically active substance that affects vascular tone and is intensely secreted by skin cells when pressed, especially in the area of the active point;
2) mechanical irritation of skin and vascular receptors, which causes reflex motor reactions of the muscular layer of the vessel wall;
3) an increase in the concentration of hormones (for example, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which cause a central vasoconstrictor effect and, as a result, an increase in blood pressure) during massage of the projection skin zones of the adrenal glands;
4) a local increase in skin temperature (local hyperthermia), by means of temperature skin receptors causing a vasodilator reflex.

The whole complex of the listed and a number of other mechanisms involved in massage therapy leads to an increase in blood flow, the level of metabolic reactions and the rate of oxygen consumption, the elimination of stagnation and a decrease in the concentration of metabolites in the underlying tissues and projected internal organs. This is the basis and a necessary condition for maintaining a normal functional state and treating individual organs and the body as a whole.

Massage in medicine is called uniform mechanical irritation of parts of the human body, produced either by the hand of the masseur, or by special devices and apparatus.

Despite this definition, the effect of massage on the human body cannot be regarded simply as a mechanical effect on the massaged tissues. This is a complex physiological process in which the central nervous system plays a leading role.

In the mechanism of action of massage on the body, it is customary to distinguish three factors: nervous, humoral and mechanical.

First of all, massage affects the central and autonomic nervous system. At the initial stage of the massage, irritation of the receptors embedded in the skin, muscles, tendons, joint capsules, ligaments and vascular walls occurs. Then, along the sensory pathways, impulses caused by this irritation are transmitted to the central nervous system and reach the corresponding areas of the cerebral cortex. There, a general complex reaction arises, causing functional changes in the body.

This mechanism was described in detail in the works of the Russian physiologist IP Pavlov: “This means that this or that receptor nervous device is struck by this or that agent of the external or internal world of the organism. This shock is transformed into a nervous process, into a phenomenon of nervous excitement. Excitation along nerve waves, as if along wires, runs into the central nervous system and from there, thanks to the established connections, through other wires is brought to the working organ, transforming, in turn, into a specific process of the cells of this organ. is associated with one or another activity of the organism, as a cause with its effect. "

The result of the effect of massage on the human body depends to a large extent on what processes currently prevail in its central nervous system: excitement or inhibition, as well as on the duration of the massage, the nature of its techniques, and much more.

In the process of massage, along with the nervous factor, the humoral factor is also taken into account (from the Greek word "humor" - liquid). The fact is that under the influence of massage, biologically active substances (tissue hormones) are formed in the skin and enter the bloodstream, with the help of which vascular reactions, transmission of nerve impulses and other processes occur.

Russian scientists D.E. Alpern, N.S. Zvonitsky and others in their works proved that under the influence of massage there is a rapid formation of histamine and histamine-like substances. Together with the products of protein breakdown (amino acids, polypeptides), they are carried by the blood and lymph flow throughout the body and have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, internal organs and systems.

So, histamine, acting on the adrenal glands, causes an increased release of adrenaline.

Acetylcholine acts as an active mediator in the transmission of nervous excitement from one nerve cell to another, which creates favorable conditions for the activity of skeletal muscles. In addition, acetylcholine helps to dilate small arteries and stimulate respiration. It is also believed to be a local hormone in many tissues.

The third factor of the effect of massage on the human body - mechanical - manifests itself in the form of stretching, displacement, pressure, leading to increased circulation of lymph, blood, interstitial fluid, removal of rejecting epidermal cells, etc. Mechanical effect during massage eliminates stagnation in the body, enhances metabolism and skin respiration in the massaged area of the body.