How exactly does massage improve the circulation?!
Question:
How exactly does massage improve the circulation?
Answers:
Much of the movement in the extremities is to massage towards the heart. This helps move venous blood in the direction it should go. Arterial blood (away from the heart) is not compromised, because it has the heart pushing it. Venous blood is more passive and benefits from the help.
Massage also "warms" up the skin, which improves the microcirculation feeding the surface making the skin more radiant and healthier.
Massage is mildly stimulating (even more so for debilitated clients). This stimulation encourages the heart to pump faster and stronger, so there is some mild aerobic benefit.
Part of the function of circulation is to pick up waste material from the body. By working the muscles and lymph glands, this waste is more efficiently picked up and carried to the appropriate organs for processing.