In the human body, every cell needs a constant supply of new oxygen. This is exchanged with carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of cellular respiration, and has the potential to poison cells if it is not removed.
This exchange takes place as the organs of the respiratory and circulatory systems transport oxygen to the cells, and carbon dioxide away. This is then taken to the lungs, where it can be released from the body. This gaseous transportation is carried out by the blood.
The main function of the respiratory system is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, however, it does have other purposes. The respiratory system is also used for olfaction, which relates to the body’s sense of smell, as well as speech and maintaining homeostasis by keeping blood oxygen levels stable and eliminating waste products.
The respiratory system includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, lungs and diaphragm.
Massage helps in speeding up the delivery of oxygen to the tissues and removal of the waste carbon dioxide.
Each human body consumes food and drink, which is broken down in a process called digestion. This process turns what we have ingested into usable substances, and excretes any waste products.
Digestion is the process by which food and drink is broken down into chemicals. These chemicals are absorbed by the bloodstream and lymphatic system, which then transports them around the body. This is the method which provides the body with all the nutrients, water and salt it requires. Any waste products are then excreted.
The entire process of digestion takes place in the alimentary tract, a long muscular tube from mouth to anus.
The digestive system is made up of five processes in total. Firstly, food is taken into the mouth through ingestion. During secretion, saliva, acid and enzymes are released to aid the breakdown of the food molecules. The food is mixed together, and then propelled through the digestive tract. Digestion is the actual breakdown of food into usable molecules and waste. Soluble material is absorbed through the walls of the small intestine. Waste is eliminated as faeces through defecation.
Sweat is also used for excretion as well as maintaining body temperature. It contains 99% water as well as some salts and other waste products such as food, alcohol, urea and some drugs.
Massage helps to deliver nutrients to the tissues of the body and carry waste matter to the organs of excretion more proficiently. A working knowledge of the direction and position of the large intestine is important during abdominal massage, so that movements do not adversely affect the elimination process.
The Urinary System
The urinary system works along side the digestive system, and aids in filtration and excretion. The primary function of the urinary system is to regulate composition and volume of fluid in the body. It maintains homeostasis by controlling the composition, volume and pressure of blood by removing and restoring water and dissolved substances. Waste products such as urea, uric acid, excess water and mineral salts must also be removed from the body.
The urinary system is made up of two kidneys which secrete urine, two ureters which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, one urinary bladder where urine collects and is stored temporarily and one urethra through which urine is discharged from the bladder out of the body.
Massage can have a diuretic effect helping to rid the body of toxins more productively, but it is important not to place too much pressure on the bladder area.