Page:Massage & exercises combined (second version).djvu/46

 Analysis and Effects of the Combined Massage Exercise No. 2

This exercise is combined in such a way that there is obtained the movements of the arms together with their massage and that of the shoulders, the sides of the upper body, the outer sides of the upper back, and the lower chest.

The arms and shoulders are here exercised to a greater extent than in exercise No. 1. Thus, for instance, if the left arm is being stroked upward with the right hand, the muscles of the right hand are not only exercised, but likewise those of the left arm and shoulder, the latter are especially put into play because the left arm is resisting the pressure of the right hand upon it. The left arm furthermore is massaged at the same time. The reverse is of course the case when the right arm is massaged.

The movements of the arms and hands, in applying the massage movements, exercise the muscles and nerves of the hands, the arms, the shoulders, the upper back, the sides, and the lower chest.

The massage influences the muscles, nerves, blood and lymph vessels of the arms, the shoulders, the sides and the lower chest. It also stimulates the action of the liver and strengthens that of the heart.

This exercise is especially beneficial for stiffness in arms and shoulders caused by playing baseball, golf, hockey or from other over-exertion. It will reduce fat shoulders and arms and build up thin ones.