Segmentary Reflex Massage
In 1896, Dr. Ged (England) found that diseases of certain organs or systems might increase the sensitivity of certain skin regions. Before that, Dr. Zakharian (Russia) described and evaluated the diagnostic importance of the skin zones regarding hyperesthesia.
In these zones of the skin, any irritation in the form of pressure, hot or cold, usually not painful, produces pain. Also, the diseases of internal organs or systems may produce tension and hyperalgia of muscles in their corresponding zones.
During embryonic development, the gastrula forms three different germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The ectoderm, which is the outer layer, will eventually develop into the skin and nervous system. Every spinal nerve innervates a specific area of the skin, a corresponding segment (dermatome). Since the "segment-spinal nerve-dermatome" connection has been established in utero, it remains unchangeable. The dermatomes have been named the same as the spinal segments that innervate them. Therefore, according to the exits of the nerves, there are the following segments of the spinal cord: 8 cervical (C1-C8), 12 thoracic (T1-T12), 5 lumbar (L1-L5), and 5 sacral (S1-S5) segments.
The pathological process produces the reflex changes in the dermatomes that innervate with the corresponding spinal cord segments. Such reflex changes may occur in different tissues (skin, connective, muscles, bones, etc.).
The specialty of vegetative receptors is their ability to project sensations, such as pain in the dermatomes located far away from the affected organ.
The irritation from internal organs is conducted via sympathetic, parasympathetic, and diaphragmatic nerves.
Diseased internal organs develop hyperesthesia zones due to transmitting impulses from the vegetative (autonomic nervous system) receptors to the somatic receptors.
The main concept of "segmentation" is that external tissues and receptors can respond to the internal organ systems that correspond to the same innervation segments of the spinal cord.
Thus, massage manipulations of the dermatomes, including skin, connective tissue, adipose tissue, and periosteum, can stimulate the healing of the corresponding internal organ system and tissues.
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