Potential Effects of Bodywork/Massage on the Bodymind-Continuum – According to Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques

Gagori says that when she learned bodywork in the context of the 4-modul Taosomatics program, Frances Tappan’s book on healing massage techniques had been required reading.  We quote from it today to give a brief overview of the benefits of bodywork on the different and interacting system of the bodymind.  This is a general overview taking all possible techniques into account, without differentiating between the specific impacts of the different techniques.

“The literature will often refer in general to the “effects” of massage, but it must be noted that different techniques of soft tissue manipulation and joint movement have different effects.  For example, a light sliding effleurage usually has a relaxing effect.  Tapotement has a stimulating effect if received for a short time and may have a sedating effect if received for a longer period of time.  Practitioners choose specific techniques to obtain specific effects and need to know what those are for effective application.”

Body System/ Mental & Emotional Aspect	Effect
Integumentary System, Pertaining to the Skin	Stimulate sensory receptors in skin Increase superficial circulation Remove dead skin Add moisture with oil or lotion Increase sebaceous gland excretions
Connective Tissue/ Fascia	Improve pliability of fascia Separate tissues
Circulatory System	Increase local circulation Enhance venous return Reduce blood pressure and heart rate with regular relaxation massage
Muscular System	“Milk” metabolic wastes into venous & lymph flow Relax muscles in general & specifically with specific intention Relieve myofascial trigger points

Skeletal System	Increased joint mobility & flexibility
Nervous System	Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation) Reduces pain (neural gating mechanism) Increases body awareness
Endocrine System	Release of endorphins (also involves nervous system)
Immune System	Increases lymphatic flow Improves immune function via stress reduction
Digestive System	Movement of contents of the large intestines Better digestion with relaxation
Mind/Intellect	Increased mental clarity
Emotions	Reduced anxiety General feeling of wellbeing Release of unexpressed emotions