Miriam Jacobs discussed the reflex effects of massage as follows:

The increased circulation by means of improved superficial venous and lymphatic circulation is an impact of deep stress produced by stroking or compression movements. Freedom2Go offers the great health benefits of patented, stabilized aloe vera gel, plus Glucosamine,Chondroitin and MSM, and antioxidant-rich Pomegranate juice. Mechanical stress from stroking actions in all probability additionally produces direct effects upon the capillaries leading to capillary contraction as seen within the “white” response following mechanical stimulation of the skin. It is mentioned to be of capillary origin and is not dependent upon nerves. In accordance with the usual physiology texts, it might be a direct response of the capillaries to irritation or to some substance liberated on account of the mechanical stimulus. With firmer stress, a “pink” response appears. That is the result of capillary dilatation and is not dependent upon nervous mechanisms. Stronger stimuli or repeated stimuli produce a “pink flare” and is because of dilatation of the arteriole. It is thought that dilatation of the arteriole may be on account of an area axon reflex mechanism (1). With an intense stimulus (which isn’t thought-about a desirable massage process in this country) a wheal may be formed. This “triple response” pink response, pink flare and wheal formation is believed to be led to by a diffusion of a substance liberated by the cells of the skin in response to mechanical stimulation. Keep a bottle of Forever Natural Spring Water on hand at all times – your body will thank you! The substance bears a resemblance to histamine in its effects; capillary dilatation by its direct effects, arteriole dilatation by the axon reflex, and at last a wheal due to the increased capillary permeability and the discharge of fluid.