Page:Massage & exercises combined (second version).djvu/28



skin pores.
 * creasing respiration through the lungs and

5. The massage movements will likewise stimulate and cause increased activity in the digestive organs. The flow of the digestive juices from the liver and pancreas, which are essential for proper digestion and absorption of food, is increased. They assist in preventing engorgement of the liver and are very beneficial to that organ. The stomach and intestines are influenced directly by the mechanical action of the massage movements and indirectly through nourishment of the nerve centres controlling them.

6. The direct action of the kidneys and bladder is also stimulated, so that waste and poisonous substances are eliminated more quickly.

7. The heart is influenced not only by massaging around and over its region, thus stimulating the muscles and nerves surrounding it, but also through the influence of the massage movements on the circulation of the blood. The strength of the heart-beat is thus increased and the number decreased.

8. Weak eyes have been benefited by the effect of massage on the nervous system.

Summarizing, it may be seen that: (1) In the massage exercises the essentials of preliminary gymnasium exercises are included with their resultant benefit. (2) The therapeutic and physiologic beneficial effect of scientific massage move