Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
Swedish massage techniques
Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customised to your specific needs.
A classic treatment which represents the western standard for massage. The five main techniques used in Swedish massage — stroking and gliding; kneading; rubbing; tapping or pounding; vibration — are probably what spring to mind when you think about a “typical” massage.
The Benefits of Massage
- Improves relief from neck pain
- Improves relief from lower back pain
- Improves tired sore aching muscles
- Helps with relief of stress, anxiety and tension
- Gives you a feeling of deep relaxation
- Helps to improve your mood
- Helps to improve sleep
- This treatment helps a persons, sense of health & Well-Being
- Improves blood flow, oxygen around the body & to the muscles flushing out toxins
- Improves & encourages Lymphatic flow and drainage
- Massage helps to relax and unwind, which makes it an ideal antidote to today’s stressful lifestyles.
