Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the foundation for all therapeutic massage.
It consists of various strokes that encourage relaxation and stress reduction. If you are new to the world of massage and bodywork, receiving a Swedish massage is an ideal place to start.
Swedish massage is designed to help you move more fluidly with ease and grace, without restriction. Improved posture is often a direct result of improving muscular function and its surrounding areas. Sometimes people say they feel taller after receiving a Swedish massage!
Some of the strokes you will experience while receiving a Swedish massage include effleurage. This is the basic stroke of this type of massage and consists of long, gentle, gliding strokes on the limbs and back. Effleurage feels very comforting as well as energizing, and it is excellent at relieving stress and seriously encourages relaxation.
Gentle, rhythmic tapping, light friction, vibration, percussion, and light kneading are additional strokes used by the therapist during a Swedish massage. These strokes aim for loosening up any muscular limitations as well as eliminating stagnant toxins in the musculature and surrounding areas that can cause discomfort. Tapping also encourages tense muscles to let go into a more complaisant state.
The pressure the therapist uses during a Swedish massage can vary. It usually starts out light and can be increased to a firmer touch as the tissue warms, softens, and lets go. It is imperative to communicate with your therapist if the pressure is too light or too strong. A good therapist will always inquire about your comfort level.
Last, but not least, Swedish massage can be very soothing, calming, and nurturing to the skin. Products used are of the highest quality, often organic, and always extremely nourishing to the skin.
Swedish massage is generally a superficial and gentle form of bodywork. It’s a total feel-good type of massage, and the perfect antidote for high- stress lifestyles. It is somewhat common to hear that Swedish massage provides an overall improved sense of rejuvenation, wellness, tranquility, and reduced emotional and physical stress.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
The purpose of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body and to relieve stress. Other benefits include:
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relieving tension in muscles
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flushing out toxins stored in muscles
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bringing increased oxygen and nutrients into muscles and surrounding soft tissue
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promoting more flexibility
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increasing circulation
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gently coaxing adhesion, scar tissue, fascia, and knots to release
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encouraging more elasticity and suppleness in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints
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promoting better range of motion in joints
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improving lymph flow in the superficial layers of the skin (lymph is the fluid of the immune system that keeps our bodies healthy and able to fight infections, irritants, diseases, and anything that can make us sick.)
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promoting better blood flow towards the heart
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calming the nervous system
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helping with pain management
The body achieves that which the mind believes