The mechanism of the effect of massage on the nervous system. The effect of massage on the nervous system

The nervous system, with its rich receptor apparatus, is the first to perceive mechanical irritations applied during massage to the skin and underlying tissues. By changing the nature, strength and duration of the massage effect, you can change the functional state of the cerebral cortex, reduce or increase general nervous excitability, strengthen deep and revitalize lost reflexes, improve tissue trophism, as well as the activity of various internal organs and tissues. E. S. Borishpolsky (1897), exposing the head to vibrations for 10-15 minutes, discovered a decrease in the excitability of the cerebral cortex and nerve trunks (cited by E. Ts. Andreeva-Galanina, 1961). The appearance of drowsiness during a vibration massage, indicating an increase in the inhibition process, was noted by M. Ya. Brsitman (1908), R. Kerman (1940) and others. A. F. Lebedeva (1953), subjecting rats to prolonged vibration, observed deep a sleep that continued even when the animals were removed from the cage and transferred to another cage.
Of all massage techniques, vibration, especially mechanical, has the most pronounced reflex effect, which, in the words of M. Ya. Breitman (1908), “is capable of awakening to life what is still viable.”
A.E. Shcherbak (1903-1908), using mechanical vibration in the knee joint of a rabbit for 5 minutes, caused a long-term increase in the knee reflex, as well as direct and cross clonus of the patella. The author observed the same phenomena in humans. Having applied vibration to himself using a device in the area of ​​the knee joint above the kneecap for 15-30 minutes, the author observed an increase in the knee reflex, which lasted for about a month. A.E. Shcherbak obtained the same results by using vibration in the area of ​​the knee joint for 5 minutes in patients with tabes spinal cord and poliomyelitis. In these patients, it was possible to evoke knee and Achilles reflexes, which were previously absent. These tendon reflexes persisted for more than 2 months after cessation of massage.
As our observations have shown, in patients with polio, vibration can cause muscle contraction in cases where they do not respond to faradic current.
Under the influence of massage, the functional state of the pathways also improves, various reflex connections of the cerebral cortex with muscles, blood vessels and internal organs are strengthened.
The existing certain metameric relationships between the visceral organs and various layers of the body’s integument explain the possibility of the occurrence of metameric, segmental reactions in the body, in particular extracutaneous reflexes (Zakharyin-Ged zone), visceromotor reflexes (Mekenzie zone), etc.
Massage has a profound effect on the peripheral nervous system, weakening or stopping pain, improving nerve conductivity, accelerating the regeneration process when it is damaged, preventing or reducing vasomotor sensory and trophic disorders, the development of secondary changes in muscles and joints on the side of nerve damage.
Characterizing the physiological effect of massage on the peripheral nervous system, many authors still continue to rely on the old physiological law of Pfluger-Arndt, which states: “...weak stimulation stimulates the activity of the nerves, moderate stimulation enhances it, strong stimulation inhibits it.” and very strong - paralyzes their function.” Russian physiology has long proven that there is a complex relationship between the strength of the stimulus and the response of the stimulus, which does not always correspond to this law. So, for example, with gentle slow stroking, contrary to the mentioned law, the excitability of the massaged tissues decreases, and this has a calming effect on the nervous system, while with energetic and fast stroking, the irritability of the massaged tissues increases. The discrepancy between the strength of irritation and the body's response is most clearly manifested in the presence of pathological changes.
Of the early domestic dissertations devoted to the study of morphological changes in peripheral nerves under the influence of massage, it is necessary to point out the work of M. G. Ioffe (1911), who, based on experimental studies conducted on rabbits, established that the use of massage in the form of deep stroking and vibration causes distinct anatomical changes in the nerve (sciatic nerve). Of great interest are the recent experimental studies carried out on significant material (48 dogs and 12 rabbits) by P. B. Granovskaya (1958), who set herself the task of studying changes in the reactive properties of the terminal parts of the nervous system under the influence of massage. Experimental animals,
in which the right hind limb was massaged daily for 10 minutes, were divided into two groups: in one group of animals the massage was performed once, in the other - for 5-10-15 and 30 days. A study of microscopic preparations of the skin of experimental animals, carried out after 1.3, 7, 15 and 30 days, showed that massage causes various changes in skin receptors, ranging from irritation to destruction and decay, depending on the number of massage procedures. The main and most common signs of these changes are dyschromia of the axial cylinders, swelling of their neuroplasm, expansion of the incisions of the laptermia and perineural sheaths. Reactive changes in the nerve fibers of the skin reach their highest development after 10-15 massage procedures. Most of the reactive changes found in the nerve fibers of the skin begin to disappear 10-15 days after the last massage procedure. Thus, massage causes pronounced reactive changes in the terminal sections of the nervous system of the skin.
Another work of this author (1961), who studied the effect of massage on the regeneration of nerve trunks after neurotomy, also deserves great attention. The study was conducted on 40 dogs that had undergone sciatic nerve ligation. 6 days after surgery, 25 dogs received daily massage of the operated limb, the remaining 15 dogs served as controls. Animals were sacrificed 15-30 days after surgery. The cut sciatic nerve was subjected to histological examination. Microscopic examination of nerve fibers and their endings in the skin showed that a single massage caused changes in them, manifested mainly in the form of dyschromia and hydropic disturbances of the axial-cylindrical part of the fiber; to a lesser extent, changes were noted in its membranes (impregnation of Schwanpian syncytium , expansion of perineural sheaths, etc.).
An increase in the number of massage procedures gradually caused a quantitative and qualitative increase in these changes. Reactive shifts in the nerve fibers of the skin reached their highest development after 15 massage procedures. Subsequently, despite continued daily massage (up to 30 procedures), no new changes occurred.
Summarizing the research data, the author comes to the conclusion that massage has a significant effect on the regeneration of the nerve when it is cut, causing acceleration of axon growth, slowing down the maturation of scar tissue and more intense resorption of decay products.
The effect of massage on the nervous system is also shaped by the influence of environmental factors. The presence of negative external irritations - waiting in line, noise, excited conversation of staff in the massage room, etc. - can significantly reduce the therapeutic effect of massage.

I.P. Pavlov wrote: “The activity of the nervous system is directed, on the one hand, to unify, integrate the work of all parts of the body, on the other hand, to connect the body with the environment, to balance the body system with external conditions” (I.P. Pavlov , 1922).

The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron (nerve cell). It consists of a body, a process - a dendrite, along which a nerve impulse comes to the body, and a process - an axon, through which a nerve impulse is sent to another nerve cell or working organ. According to morphofunctional characteristics, three main types of neurons are distinguished:

1) Sensory neurons(extero-, intero- and proprioceptors).

2) Interneuron. This neuron transmits excitation from the sensitive (afferent) neuron to the efferent one.

3) Effector (motor) neuron. The axons of these cells continue in the form of nerve fibers to the working organs (skeletal and smooth muscles, glands, etc.).

The unified nervous system is conventionally divided according to topographical characteristics into central and peripheral, and according to anatomical and functional characteristics into somatic and vegetative.

central nervous system

It includes the spinal cord and brain, which consist of gray and white matter. Gray matter is a collection of nerve cells along with the nearest branches of their processes. White matter is nerve fibers, processes of nerve cells. Nerve fibers form the pathways of the spinal cord and brain and connect various parts of the central nervous system and nerve centers with each other.

Peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system consists of roots, spinal and cranial nerves, their branches, plexuses and nodes located in various parts of the human body.

Somatic nervous system

The somatic nervous system provides innervation mainly to the body - the soma, namely the skin and skeletal muscles. This section of the nervous system performs the function of connecting the body with the external environment through skin sensitivity and sensory organs.

Autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system innervates all the internal organs, glands, involuntary muscles of organs, skin, blood vessels, heart, regulates metabolic processes in all organs and tissues. The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic parts. In each of these parts, as in the somatic nervous system, there are central and peripheral sections.

Massage manipulations, affecting receptors located in the skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, organs and other tissues, irritate them. This irritation is transformed into a nerve impulse, which through nerve fibers, plexuses, and a system of neurons is directed to the working organ, causing functional changes in skeletal and smooth muscles, digestion, blood circulation, lymph flow, immune, metabolic and other processes. At the same time, massage techniques and procedures performed unskilledly, without taking into account the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the body, its functional state, can cause a deterioration in the general condition of a person, the appearance of local pain, discomfort and other undesirable side reactions.

Drawing a conclusion from the above, we can confidently say that with the help of massage you can purposefully change the functional state of the body. There are five main types of effects of massage on the functional state of the body: tonic, calming, trophic, energy-tropic, normalizing functions.

The tonic effect of massage is expressed in enhancing excitation processes in the central nervous system. It is explained, on the one hand, by an increase in the flow of nerve impulses from the proprioceptors of the massaged muscles to the cerebral cortex, and on the other hand, by an increase in the functional activity of the reticular formation of the brain. The tonic effect of massage is used to eliminate the negative effects of hypokinesia caused by a forced sedentary lifestyle or various pathologies (injuries, mental disorders, etc.). Among the massage techniques that have a good tonic effect, the following can be distinguished: vigorous deep kneading, squeezing, and all percussive techniques (chopping, tapping, patting). In order for the tonic effect to be maximum, the massage must be carried out at a fast pace for a short period of time.

The calming effect of massage is manifested in inhibition of the activity of the central nervous system, caused by moderate, rhythmic and prolonged irritation of extero- and proprioceptors. The fastest way to achieve a calming effect is through massage techniques such as rhythmic stroking the entire surface of the body, shaking, shaking, felting, and vibration. They must be carried out at a slow pace over a fairly long period of time. It should be noted. Massage techniques such as “kneading” and “rubbing”, depending on the nature of their implementation (tempo, strength, duration), can have a tonic or calming effect on the nervous system.

The trophic effect of massage, associated with the acceleration of blood and lymph flow, is expressed in improving the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to tissue cells. The role of the trophic effect of massage in restoring muscle performance is especially important.

The energy-tropic effect of massage is aimed, first of all, at increasing the performance of the neuromuscular system. Specifically, this is expressed as follows:

1. in activating muscle bioenergy;
2. in improving muscle metabolism;
3. in increasing the formation of acetylcholine, which leads to an acceleration of the transmission of nerve excitation to muscle fibers;
4. in increasing the formation of histamine, which dilates muscle vessels;
5. in increasing the temperature of the massaged tissues, leading to the acceleration of enzymatic processes and an increase in the rate of muscle contraction.

Normalization of body functions under the influence of massage

Normalization of body functions under the influence of massage is manifested, first of all, in the regulation of the dynamics of nervous processes in the cerebral cortex. This massage effect is especially important when there is a sharp predominance of processes of excitation or inhibition in the nervous system. During the massage process, a focus of excitation is created in the area of ​​the motor analyzer, which, according to the law of negative induction, is able to suppress the focus of stagnant, pathological excitation in the cerebral cortex. The normalizing role of massage is of great importance in the treatment of injuries, as it promotes rapid tissue restoration and the elimination of atrophy. When normalizing the functions of various organs, segmental massage of certain reflexogenic zones is usually used.

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

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

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

Massage has an effect on the peripheral and central nervous system. When massaging the skin, the nervous system is the first to respond to mechanical irritation. At the same time, a whole stream of impulses is sent to the central nervous system from numerous nerve-end organs that perceive pressure, tactile and various temperature stimuli.

Under the influence of massage, impulses arise in the skin, muscles and joints, stimulating the motor cells of the cerebral cortex and stimulating the activity of the corresponding centers.

The positive effect of massage on the neuromuscular system depends on the type and nature of massage techniques (massage therapist’s hand pressure, duration of passage, etc.) and is expressed in an increase in the frequency of muscle contraction and relaxation and in musculocutaneous sensitivity.

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

The results of experimental studies have shown that a cut nerve recovers faster if you regularly massage the damaged tissue. Under the influence of massage, axonal growth accelerates, the formation of scar tissue slows down, and decay products are absorbed.

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

If massage is performed regularly over a long period of time, it can acquire the character of a conditioned reflex stimulus.

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

The effect of massage on the nervous system

Based on the work of the school of Sechenov and Pavlov on the formation and dynamics of conditioned reflexes carried out through the cerebral cortex, it is possible to imagine with sufficient clarity the importance of massage for the body and its influence on all organs and systems through a direct effect on the receptor apparatus and sensitive endings embedded in the skin autonomic nervous system.

The necessary effect of the massage is manifested by the principle of irradiation and repercussion (the spread of impulses from the nervous apparatus belonging to the diseased organ to the nervous apparatus corresponding to the healthy organ). This effect is also manifested by the type of reflex occurrence of sensory-vegetative, cutaneous-visceral reflexes on organs, systems and the entire body (charging the energy of nerve centers - the “Sechenov phenomenon”), as well as by the type of mechanism of segmental reflexes. Through the nervous system, massage as an irritant undoubtedly affects the endocrine system.

From physiology it is known that there are two types of interaction between the nervous and humoral systems: 1) under the influence of the nervous system, certain organs secrete hormones that enter the blood and have an effect on the entire body, and 2) under the influence of irritation of individual nerves, chemical agents of the same arise in individual organs order, causing specific effects.

Individual elements of massage have different effects on the autonomic nervous system and especially on its sympathetic section. It is therefore possible to assume a different influence on tissue cell metabolism, in which a significant role belongs to the sympathetic nervous system (Alpern).

According to E. Krasnushkin, the influence of the autonomic nervous system on the psyche can be realized: 1) by influencing metabolism, and therefore by organizing the internal environment of the whole organism, in particular the brain; 2) through a direct neurohumoral effect on the brain and 3) through the “sensitivity” of the autonomic nervous system.

Physiotherapeutic measures, including massage, can eliminate or reduce those phenomena of irritation of the sympathetic section of the autonomic nervous system, which are the cause of some emotional disorders. We talked about the mechanism of this action when analyzing the physiological essence of massage. It is only necessary to add that the effect of massage in the above case will be much weaker than with the action of other physiotherapeutic agents: electricity, light, water, etc.

Professor Shcherbak proved that by irritating the endings of nerves with a massage, one can reflexively influence the nerve centers. The Shcherbak school has developed a number of local, or regional, reflexes that appear under the influence of massage, for example, when massaging the back of the neck, upper back and shoulder area. Irritation of the skin in this area reflexively causes changes in the organs innervated by the cervical autonomic apparatus, as well as in the organs innervated by the higher autonomic centers located in the gray matter of the third ventricle. This guides the prescribing of massage for diseases of the nasopharyngeal region, since massage manipulations reflexively affect the redistribution of blood in the vessels located in the sinuses of the posterior part of the skull.

Chertok and Preysman, influencing the first and second lumbar vertebrae by vibration, noted hyperemia in the small pelvis. By massaging the lower thoracic and lumbar sacral areas, Verbov had a regulating effect on blood circulation and trophism of the lower extremities, on the large and small pelvic organs.

A huge number of scientific works are devoted to the influence of massage on the nervous system. Travelers, writers, and poets who have experienced the effects of massage in various cities of the East talk about this influence. Different massage techniques have different effects on the nervous system. Some of them irritate and excite her (tapping, chopping, shaking), while others calm her (stroking, rubbing). In sports massage, knowledge of how individual techniques affect the nervous system acquires great practical importance.

Using various massage techniques, we can differently influence the excitability of the entire nervous system, individual nerve nodes, individual nerves, and through them the function of the most important organs.

In addition to the vegetative-reflex effect of massage, its direct effect on reducing the conductivity of sensory and motor nerves is also observed. Verbov used vibration to cause muscle contraction in cases where it no longer responded to the faradic current. Massage can regulate the skin's sensitivity to painful irritations and soothe pain, which is so important in sports practice. With the direct effect of massage, small vessels dilate, but this does not exclude a reflex effect through the sympathetic section of the autonomic nervous system on the blood vessels of the massaged area.

Bykov in his outstanding work “Cerebral Cortex and Internal Organs” wrote: “It seemed to me that the study of the relationships between the central nervous system and, in particular, the cerebral cortex with the functional manifestations of internal organs and with intimate tissue processes opens up new opportunities for expanding the concepts of general physiology" * . Using the Pavlovian method of conditioned reflexes, he showed the presence of connections with the cerebral cortex of a number of internal organs (kidneys, liver, heart, blood vessels, respiratory apparatus, intestines) and devices that regulate tissue processes.

* (K. M. Bykov. Cerebral cortex and internal organs, Medgiz. 1947, p. 14.)

The cerebral cortex is an organ that controls all the behavior of the body in the world around it and, as Bykov says, at the same time affects the entire “internal economy” of the body. About 70 years ago, physiology received the first evidence of the connection between the activity of the motor apparatus and the cerebral cortex. Pavlov's teaching on analyzers (receptor, afferent pathways and the cerebral end of the analyzing apparatus) closely connected the chapter of physiology on the sense organs with the chapter on the higher part of the central nervous system - the cerebral cortex.

The teachings of Sechenov and especially Pavlov helped us to comprehend and understand the pattern of physiological effects of stimuli, and therefore massage, on all human systems and organs and the responsible role of the central nervous system and especially the cerebral cortex.

Kekcheev and his colleagues, based on Pavlov’s work, came to the following conclusions regarding the effect of various stimuli, including massage, on the brain:

1. Weak, or short-term, irritations in many cases improve the condition of the brain, increase its performance, and strong, or long-acting, on the contrary, worsen the condition of the brain, reduce its performance.

This circumstance explains the positive effect of morning exercises, rubdowns, and massage. Regarding the latter, Kekcheev says that massage increases the sensitivity of the senses both in the case when it is performed along the blood in the veins and lymph in the lymphatic vessels, i.e. towards the heart, and when the massage therapist’s hand makes movements in the opposite direction direction.

Kekcheev’s instructions coincide with our observations of athletes after tiring, intense performances. We have long excluded energetic techniques in restorative massage; we have replaced them with techniques of low intensity, quite sufficient to evoke the appropriate autonomic reflex and such a change in the adaptive-trophic influences of the autonomic nervous system on working tired muscles that increases their performance.

2. If a person is simultaneously exposed to two irritations that give opposite effects (one improves and the other worsens the state of the brain), then the direction of the shift will be determined by the irritation that gives a greater effect.

And this conclusion coincides with the practice of sports life. A tired runner and boxer after a competition resort to cold showers, cold rubdowns and massages, which should be irritants that give a greater effect. We have already discussed in detail the essence of the massage mechanism for these cases.

In connection with the above, it is clear that massage can take the form of calming, mild or strong stimulation and even exhaustion. The effect of massage on the psyche of both sick and healthy people is beyond doubt.

Classic Russian massage in 15 days Oguy Victor Olegovich

The effect of massage on the nervous system

Massage can have a direct effect on the peripheral nervous system through mechanical stimulation of surface receptors in the skin and muscles. It is also possible to influence some nerve trunks (if they are close to the surface of the skin), nerve plexuses and spinal nerve roots. By influencing the peripheral nervous system, massage can relieve or stop pain, improve nerve conductivity, accelerate the regeneration process when it is damaged, prevent or reduce vasomotor sensory and trophic disorders, and the development of secondary changes in muscles and joints on the side of nerve damage.

Massage affects the central nervous system indirectly, through the peripheral parts of the nervous system. Impulses from mechanical stimulation of receptors enter the central nervous system and cause responses.

Under the influence of massage, the functional state of the pathways also improves, various reflex connections of the cerebral cortex with muscles, blood vessels and internal organs are strengthened.

By changing the nature, strength and duration of the massage effect, you can change the functional state of the cerebral cortex, reduce or increase general nervous excitability, strengthen deep and revive lost reflexes, improve tissue trophism, as well as the activity of various internal organs and tissues. Thus, it is possible to distinguish between the tonic and sedative effects of massage. Toning is a superficial, quick and short massage. Sedative is a deep, slow and long massage.

The effect of massage on the nervous system is also influenced by environmental factors. The presence of negative external irritations - waiting in line, noise, excited conversation of staff in a massage room, etc. - can significantly reduce the therapeutic effect of massage.

HOW TO CHECK THE IGNITION SYSTEM First, disconnect the battery, and then inspect the high-voltage wires, distributor cap and ignition coil. Clean them from dust, dirt and oil with a rag soaked in gasoline, and then wipe dry. The point is that over time