Benefits of Massage for Older Adults

Bodywork for the geriatric population helps regain strength, balance, coordination, and a level of functioning—but it also creates a more independent lifestyle.  ~ Dr. Joi Edwards

Massage affects not only the body, but also the mind. In the body, it increases blood and lymph circulation, relaxes muscle and connective tissues, reduces contractions and spasms, and as a result, reduces pain. When the muscles are relaxed, there is more oxygen and nutrition due to increased blood flow, also there is less tension or pressure on the nerves, allowing them to function normally.

How can a massage affect the mind? When the body experiences such relaxation and reduction of pain, it triggers the nervous system to calm. The heart rate slows down, breathing is deeper, blood presser lowers, and stress hormones decrease. Serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, is released affecting emotions and thoughts.

Reflexology has the same physical and mental response as massage – but the treatment is very different. Instead of manipulating the muscles and soft tissues, reflexology focuses on specific points on the feet and hands. By palpating these points (reflexes), nerve flow and blood flow are increased to the areas of the body that are over-working, under-working, or injured. The affected organs, tissues, and glands receiving the nerve and blood flow balance and normalize. In this way, reflexology helps the body heal itself.