Swedish Massage
WHAT IS A SWEDISH MASSAge?
Swedish massage is one of the most requested type of massage. Sometimes called classic or basic massage, Swedish massage was first used to improve circulation and reduce pain. In the 1890s it became a popular and useful therapy in sanatoriums.
The technique aims to promote relaxation by releasing muscle tension and preventing injury. Best known for soothing tight muscles and boosting well-being.
During a Swedish massage, the therapist uses a variety of techniques including:
Effleurage consists of long slow strokes, done with the flat of the hands, following the counter of the body, warming up the muscles
Petrissage involves kneading, picking away from the bone and rolled back with a pressure action, getting deeper and targeting the fascia or connective tissue.
Friction normally done with thumbs and fingers between therapist’s hands and client’s skin creating heat and relaxation of the muscle
Tapotement are rhythmic movements that invigorate and stimulate the muscles, improving muscle tone, further loosening your muscles, and also giving more energy to your body
Vibrations are produced by the palm of the hand with a rapid contraction and relaxation of the therapist’s arm on client’s muscle causing trembling and stimulating the nerves
Swedish massage is gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation, tension relief and first-time users.
Swedish massage can be relaxing or energizing, with slow or fast strokes depends on client ‘s request.
It is a whole-body therapeutic massage treatment that works the soft tissues and muscles to help restore health - creating a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system.
What are the benefits of Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is known to release tension, stimulate nerve endings, break down adhesions, aid desquamation, eliminate waste products and help tone the muscle fibres. Benefits include:
Improved sleep influencing the body's production of serotonin and the creation of melatonin. With sleep your mind will be able to rest and reset
Works great to help people who suffer from health conditions or people who suffer from everyday troubles and concerns
It can be very helpful for people who hold a lot of tension in their lower back, shoulders, neck, due to daily activities such as sitting at the computer or exercising and wanting to get rid of those knots and prevent injury
Increased blood flow and lymph drainage, relieving pain and even promoting brain function especially after a surgery, due to scaring and swelling ; better blood flow means more oxygen to the places our bodies need it most, which ultimately means a better functioning body.
If you have an area of particular concern, such as a tight neck, you can ask your therapist to spend more time in this area. Depending on your preferences, you can ask your massage therapist to use light, medium, or firm pressure.
This adjustment of pressure makes it an ideal massage for you in order to relax.