Nervous System

nervous system components

The Nervous System (NS) controls the voluntary and automatic functions of the body.

It is made up of:

  • brain
  • spinal cord
  • nerves

Subdivision of the Nervous System

The nervous system, initially, can be divided into the Central Nervous system (CNS), which is made of the Brain and Spinal Cord and the Perhiperic Nervous System (PNS), which consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

In more detail, the PNS can be divided into Sensory Neurons and Motor Neurons, the Motor Neurons can be divided into Somatic Neurons and Autonomic Neurons, and finally, this last is divided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.

nervous system components

The function of the Nervous System

The nervous system can also be defined by its functionality.

For this subdivision, we have three categories:

  • Sensory Affarent function
  • Integrative function
  • Motor Efferent Function

The afferent function is characterised by a signal that travels to the brain from the PNS. The integrative part analyses the sensory information, stores some aspects, and makes
decisions regarding appropriate behaviours. The Motor does respond to the stimulus by initiating an action.

The Nervous System is made of Neurons.

Neurons carry messages to and from different parts of the body.

To be functional, neurons need three components:

  • Oxygen
  • Stimulation
  • Food

Neurons can start within the brain and travel down to the spine or can begin with the peripheric portion of the body and travel to the spine and brain next.

Either way, the information can travel in one direction only. For afferent neurons, the direction is from the peripheric body portion to the brain, and the efferent is from the CNS or Brain to the peripheric part.

Synapses connect neurons. The Synapse is the space where information is exchanged between two neurons.

For a signal to be transmitted along a neuron, a chemical reaction has to happen within the neuron cell. This chemical reaction is better known as Action Potential.

Once an Action Potential is started, an electric signal, within the order of mV would be transmitted from the Neuron cell to the opposite end, called Axon Terminal.

At The Axon Terminal, the neurotransmitter would be passed and sent to the next neuron, receiving those substances through the receptors on its cell membrane.

This is just a simplification of how communication between two neurons happens.

In reality, there are variations to this communication methodology, and not always does the communication succeed.

The NS is responsible for the following:

  • memory, learning and intelligence
  • movement
  • controls the organs’ functions:
    – heart beating
    – breathing
    – digestion
    – sweating
  • the senses:
    – sight
    – hear
    – taste
    – touch
    – smell

The Sympathetic and Para-Sympathetic NS.

The  Autonomic NS controls the body parts we don’t have to think about it, like breathing, sweating or shivering, indeed the main organs.

The SNS controls how we respond to emergencies.

Sympathetic-and-Parasympathetic-Nervous-System

It makes our heart beat faster and causes the release of adrenaline.

Where the parasympathetic nervous system prepares the body for rest (for example, when we go to sleep).

The PSNS and the SNS work together to manage the body’s responses to our changing environment and needs.

Massage and Nervous System

As massage or manual therapy is a direct stimulus of the body, it plays a role in the response of the NS.

What can happen is due to genetic factors, muscle tensions, and bulge disk nerves can get trapped along the way.

Using the different testing approaches, such as Myotome and Dermatome, Giovanni can guide you through understanding where the nerve got entrapped or pinched.

But this type of work is mainly for conditions where physically the nerve is involved in pour functionality.

An example can be when someone has poor strength, on one hand, compared to the other, or when the sensitivity of a patch of skin is not so accurate.

MLD and Nervous System

Another technique, such as MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage), plays a role in the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

An MLD treatment is profoundly relaxing, as it calms the nervous system, reduces pain and restores balance.

This happens because of the mechanic repetitive movement used during the technique. There for, no pain has to be replicated during the treatment, or the SNS gets activated, as per pain response, and the body goes into “alarm” mode.

Physical or mental pathologies can play a crucial role in the functionality of the nervous system, and techniques like MLD or Massage therapy generally can help in reducing symptoms and assisting in overcoming pain and body dysfunctions.

Along the mental conditions, we find Anxiety or Depression too.

In conclusion, any Massage Therapy or Manual Therapy, including Thai Massage, Remedial Massage, MLD and or Myotherapy, are great tools to release the tension in the body and improve the status of the nervous system.

On the other hand, breathing, as per already disgust in the breathing wave blogs (Blog 1, Blog 2) plays a vital role in the well-being of the body, mind and nervous system.

Feel stressed and need to release some tension? Book now your next massage at Melbourne Massage and Treatment.

 

 

 

 


Giovanni La Rocca

Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.

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Arm Lymphoedema Quiz

Based on the original document - Piller,NB (2006) Lymphoedema Research unit Department of surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia,  5042 (Adapted and reprinted with permission). This guide is designed as an educational aid-based primary on experience, no evidence in literature.

1. More than 10 nodes removed from armpit
2. Radiotherapy to armpit area
3. More than 2 infections (redness) in the limb per year
4. Whole of Breast Removed (Mastectomy)
5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from armpit
6. Radiotherapy to chest/breast area
7. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 week
8. Infection at the wound site
9. One infection (redness) in the limb per year
10. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at times
11. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limb
12. Dry skin
13. Part of Breast removed
14. 1 or 2 nodes removed from armpit
15. Limb feels different as the day progresses

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

16. Body weight is very high (obese)
17. Surgery was on side of dominant hand
18. Generally experience high stress levels
19. Generally have high non-controlled blood pressure
20. Body weight is a little high (overweight)
21. Frequent long distance air traveler
22. Previous or current other injuries to limb/shoulder
23. Thyroid gland activity is not normal and not medicated
24. “At risk” limb is used for repetitive actions
25. Often carry heavy loads for long periods using “at risk” arm
26 Smoking is currently part of my life
27. Swelling was present in limb prior to surgery

What to do now?

  • If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.

  • If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

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Lipedema Quiz

This is not a diagnostic tool but only a guide.
To learn more about the Lipedema presentation, contact Giovanni by sending the result, or booking a free 15-minute online consultation. Be sure to include your full name and email address in the form below (At the end of the quiz).

If you prefer to contact Giovanni anonymously, call with a private number at 0449790781.

Texture of fatty tissue may feel granular and/orfibrotic
Symmetrical, disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissue (refer to picture on the Lipedema page)
The waist may be small in proportion to thighs, buttocks, and legs
Cuffs or bulges may develop around joints (e.g. ankles, knees, elbows, wrists). Feet remainunaffected unless lymphoedema is a comorbidity
Legs are often hypersensitive to touch and pressureand may feel cold
Affected areas may bruise easily with minimaltrauma
Patients describe affected areas as sore, painful, heavy, swollen and tired
Symptoms can worsen in hot weather, during orafter exercise, standing or sitting for long periods
Fat pads, which can be tender or painful, accumulate on the upper outer thighs, inner thighs, and around the knee area, can cause abnormal gait,and contribute to joint pain
Filling of the retromalleolar sulcus
Hypermobility
Soft, thin skin with loss of elasticity. Skin can havea lumpy appearance.
Non-pitting oedema and negative Stemmer’s sign on feet and hands in the absence of coexisting lymphoedemaPitting oedema is when by appling pressure to the area with a finger, for more than 60 seconds, you get left an indentation in the skin.
Difficulty losing weight from affected areas despite exercise, modified diet or bariatric surgery. If well-directed, these measures may help reduceinflammation and co-existing obesity if present
Abnormal nerve sensations
Pain on blood pressure check (larger cuff may berequired)
Relatives with similar body shape or fat distribution

Out of 17 questions, the number above, tells you how many symptoms applies to you. The more symptoms, the more luckily you are suffering from a Lipedema presentation. Get in touch with Giovanni now, via the form below, for further understanding on how to manage Lipedema presentation.

Reference list

This quiz is a reproduction of a flyer from the association Lipoedema Australia.
The reference list is Adapted from 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13,14[1] , 16, 18 and available here (PDF).

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Leg Lymphoedema Quiz

Based on the original document - Piller,NB (2006) Lymphoedema Research unit Department of surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia,  5042 (Adapted and reprinted with permission). This guide is designed as an educational aid-based primary on experience, no evidence in literature.

1. More than 10 nodes removed from the groin
2. Radiotherapy to the groin/pelvic area
3. Average of more than 2 infections (cellulitis) in the limb per year
4. Dry or scaly skin on lower legs/feet
5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from groin
6. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 week
7. Infection at the wound site after surgery
8. Average of one infection (cellulitis) in the limb per year
9. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limb
10. 1 or 2 nodes removed from the groin
11. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at times
12. Limb feels worse as the day progresses

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

13. Family history of leg swelling
14. Frequent long distance air/bus/car traveler
15. Previous or current other injuries to legs, ankles or feet
16. Limb is most often in a dependant position (standing)
17. Generally experience high stress levels
18. Generally have high blood pressure
19. Thyroid gland activity is not normal and not medicated
20. Diabetic but controlled by diet or medication
21. Diabetic uncontrolled
22. Some varicose veins or spider veins
23. Many varicose veins or spider veins
24. Prior varicose vein stripping and scars
25. Smoking is currently part of my life
26. Body weight is a little high (overweight)
27. Body weight is very high (obese)
28. Diet is rich in animal (omega 6) fats
29. Swelling was present in limb prior to surgery/radiotherapy

What to do now?

  • If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.

  • If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

Save as Draft

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