Massage : principles and practice of remedial treatment by imparted motion mechanical processes / by Geo. H. Taylor.

  • Taylor, Geo. H. (George Herbert), 1821-1896.
Date:
[1887], ©1887
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Massage : principles and practice of remedial treatment by imparted motion mechanical processes / by Geo. H. Taylor. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    between them an amount of motor-energy equal to the gravitation of the weight. The action of the muscles has caused displacement of the fluids in which the muscles are bathed, and by which their power is supported. Will- power has been engaged to incite the muscles. Both muscles and nerves have suifered change of substance to a degree corresponding with the energy apphed in opposition to gravitation, and not least, more air has been respired and more oxygen extracted therefrom by the blood, because, in the act described, the blood parts with a notable amount of oxygen. Such are the interior processes which are in all cases the necessary concomitftnts of the manifestation of motor-energy. The central act is the change of shape of a multitude of muscle cells under the incitation of the wiU; the others are conse- quences thereof. Now, massage produces similar physical and nutritive changes in the muscle cells, in the circulation of the blood, in the secm^ing of oxygen from air respired, and the general physical consequences arising from them. But it employs exterior physical impressions and expenditures, and dispenses entirely with nerve influence. Such communicated motion and pressure not only cause the same interior consequences, but are capable of carrying