Swedish Massage is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. It feels good, is relaxing and invigorating.

Healing Touch…

The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being. The principal ingredient of massage therapy is touch, however it also combines science and art. Therapists learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. Touch also conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing relationship.

Swedish Massage Explained…

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. The massage also shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. It also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management. Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure." Swedish massage uses softer strokes on the bonier and more delicate parts of the body, and stronger strokes where there is thicker muscle coverage. This sensitivity to pressure makes it ideal for relaxation. The techniques used are made up of basic effleurage strokes towards the heart. Long and gliding strokes as well as tapping and hacking, friction and vibration, individual kneading of muscles as well as percussion. As a rule natural oils are used during the procedure of Swedish massage in order to facilitate long strokes to give a full body treatment that flows naturally to relax the recipient effectively. Often the room will be ambient with soft music playing and candles lit or a low light to give a peace haven atmosphere to give a calming effect.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

• eases muscular strain by flushing out toxins
• helps to keep ligaments and tendons supple
• stimulates the nervous system
• reduces emotional and physical stress
• calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being
• reduces tension and anxiety
• improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells
• stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products
• prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms
• helps with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms

From the therapists mouth

In my experience Swedish massage has wonderful results in decreasing stress levels in a persons mind and body. It not only flushes out toxins, it also improves circulation and calms the mental state of many clients I have performed full body relaxing massage on. These results can only be achieved if your therapist is competent and focused in what they do, so my advice when looking for a massage therapist for any kind of massage is to find a qualified, experienced and professional one. A good therapist is passionate about massage and can use their energies and natural touch to help heal people. You can train therapists to use certain skills and techniques however you cannot teach them the natural ability to use their hands in a therapeutic and very natural way. This is what makes the difference between a good effective massage therapist and someone who just goes through the motions. So it is always good to find a therapist that has good testimonials, as word of mouth counts for so much! It is imperative that you leave your massage feeling relaxed, refreshed, happy, less tense, and excited about coming back regularly to feel good so you can face the challenges of life with a calmer state of body and mind.