What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is a very relaxing flowing massage that encourages the increase of arterial circulation and detoxification. Swedish massage can reduce muscle tension and aid in pain relief.
What does a Swedish massage look like?
A client will be given time to privately undress to their comfort level and rest on a massage table under a sheet or a towel. The therapist will uncover each part of body as needed when massaging. Oil or lotion is used to allow for the smooth, long strokes and varying levels of pressure. The therapist usually starts out with a light touch and progressively applies deeper techniques. Essential oils are sometimes used, engaging a client’s olfactory senses (sense of smell). There are five basic strokes employed: gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction and tapping. Most strokes are applied in the direction of the heart in order to encourage blood circulation. A session typically runs thirty minutes to and hour, depending on the clients needs.
What are some of the benefits of Swedish massage?
- Increased circulation
- Flushes body of metabolic wastes (i.e., lactic acid) for faster healing time
- Decreases muscle spasms
- Breaks up tissue adhesions
- Releases endorphins to promote relaxation and pain reduction
Who should receive Swedish massage?
Anyone who has tissue adhesions, spasms, muscle tightness, insomnia, strains, sprains, headaches, a cold (tail-end), spends long periods with little movement, or suffers from plain old stress.
Swedish massage would NOT be advised for people with:
- Lymphatic Cancer
- Nausea
- Fever
- The beginnings of a cold for flu
- Any condition that taxes the circulatory system (e.g., uncontrolled high blood pressure)
- Most bacterial infections
Always consult your doctor and your therapist to see if massage or specific massage types are right for you.