I was looking recently at the advertising material for a topical analgesic cream and found the argument for its efficacy both clever and compelling. It was using a Decision Tree Diagram as follows: PAIN leads to Involuntary MUSCLE CONTRACTION. This in turn leads to what is called an ISCHEMIC CONDITION where there is reduced blood flow to a muscle or, in other words, an incomplete KREBS CYCLE. A Krebs Cycle is present in every cell that uses oxygen to produce energy. That means that the body's efficiency to perform is compromised. Perhaps think of it like a blocked drain . An incomplete Krebs cycle will lead to a METABOLIC WASTE BUILDUP, which in turn results in more pain. So, apply this magic cream - actually, there is no such thing - and this will lead to muscles relaxing so that there is increased blood flow and therefore oxygen to tissue. These leads to a complete Krebs Cycle and resultant removal of metabolic waste and no more pain. Clever, isn't it? Then I suddenly thought, well that is exactly how massage works because it increases blood flow and all the resultant benefits when this happens. That is not to say that the cream is unnecessary because I am sure that it contains ingredients that are helpful. As many of you know, in my treatments I use oils and creams that either tonify or sedate depending on what is needed - either warming or cooling. What is it that massage or shiatsu therapy can do? It's certainly more than something that feels good, although that is certainly part of the equation. Massage helps relieve body tension and spasm. It improves immune efficiency and improves circulation. It allows body tissues to heal and permits better functioning of the skin which is an important organ of excretion. The parts that most people are familiar with is that massage helps produce a state of relaxation, offers for many emotional reassurance and improves appearance. The sum total of all of this is that the body performs the way it was designed as a well functioning unit.
