When you think of a classic massage, you’re actually thinking of a Swedish massage. It is the most widely used massage therapy and provides a wonderful relaxing experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. We will explain the benefits of Swedish massage and provide all the information you need. So you can look forward booking your own.
What is a Swedish masseuse?
Most people are familiar with Swedish massage. That’s because it is the classic and traditional massage that you will have seen in movies and advertising, even if you haven’t experienced it personally.
There are a number of different Swedish massage techniques, but all combine to deliver a delightfully relaxing massage through gentle circular pressure applied by the therapist’s hands (known professionally as ‘friction’). You can also try these other Swedish massage techniques:
- Effleurage – a type of gentle stroking, including long strokes.
- Petrissage – what you think of when muscles are kneaded.
- Vibration – includes light tapping and other techniques which can cause the body to lightly shake or vibrate.
- Hacking – includes the karate-style ‘chops’ you may also associate with massage.
Pehr Henrik Ling is credited as the Father of Swedish Massage, in addition to bringing physical education to Sweden.
Swedish massage can be very relaxing. It is relaxing, relieving tension and balancing the body.
Swedish massage is a classic massage that can be mistakenly used to create other treatments. Thai massage and aromatherapy are two of the most commonly misunderstood techniques.
Difference between Swedish and aromatherapy massage
An aromatherapy massage could be a Swedish massage. An aromatherapy massage can be a Swedish massage or a massage that uses a customized blend of essential oils. This is done to alleviate mental and physical ailments.
Difference between Thai and Swedish Massage
Thai massage often doesn’t use oils and is usually done on the floor, rather than on a table. The therapist will assist the recipient in yoga postures to stretch and relax their body. It’s more vigorous and sometimes focuses on acupressure points.
What are the benefits to Swedish massage?
Swedish massage aims to increase circulation and promote relaxation by soothing the muscles. It’s therefore quite different from deep tissue massage or sports massage. The techniques involve soft strokes over areas which are more prone to pain,Or without much muscle coverage. The pressure is adjusted to make the massage deeper for thicker muscles.
Swedish massage has many benefits, including:
Muscle pain can be relieved
Whether you’ve overdone it in the gym, or you suffer from long-term or chronic muscle or joint pain, Swedish massage can help to alleviate pain. Your massage therapist will target pain points and reduce muscle tension to allow pain to ease. This natural method of managing pain is preferred to using pain medication.
Increased blood circulation
Massage techniques improve blood circulation in the areas being massaged. This has many different benefits. The increased warmth soothes sore muscles and is soothing. The massage also helps your body eliminate toxins build up from daily life. You may feel deeply relaxed after a massage, but you may experience an increase in blood circulation that will give you a boost of energy. Because blood circulation is more efficient, oxygenated blood flows easier to the area. This helps with recovery.
Increased movement range
This massage works by gently working on the ligaments and muscles. It can help improve your range and agility, as well as keep you supple. The natural lubricants in the joints can be released. The therapist may also include gentle stretching in your massage. These can help improve your range and movement.
Physical stress reduction
Stress can cause our muscles to tense; we’re bracing for the fight or flight response. However, we need to take care to allow our muscles to relax again, discharging the tension when we haven’t fought or run! Swedish massage helps to relieve tension and remove physical stress. This can help you improve your posture because your muscles are not being forced to overcompensate. Many people find that Swedish massage can relieve tension headaches.
Stress reduction
Unfortunately, many of our lives are stressful. We have to deal with a lot of pressures and worry. Relaxing for an hour or more and being pampered allows you to let go of all your emotional stress.
Aids immunity
Regular Swedish massages are a popular option shown to support and aid a healthy immune system. This is likely due to the fact that massage de-stresses your body. The immune system is affected by stress, so any way you can reduce stress will naturally improve your immunity.
Releases feel good chemicals
Massage is a popular therapy. scientifically proven to release a range of feel good hormones and chemicals in our bodies, such as oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins and dopamine. It’s not just that it makes you feel good by giving you time out and much needed attention, it actually has an effect at a chemical level to make you feel amazing.
Improve your sleep
One of the chemicals we mention above – serotonin – is vital for healthy sleep patterns. It helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Many people choose to have their massage late in the afternoon or evening to allow them to drift off to the Land of Nod. It’s another benefit of having your Swedish massage done at home; you don’t have to head out into a bustling world afterwards. Instead, you can really reap the benefits.
Is Swedish massage safe during pregnancy?
We are often asked if Swedish massage is safe for pregnant women. It’s not just safe, it’s actually the recommended type of massage if you are pregnant in your second or third trimester. Your Swedish massage therapist can either make you sit down or lie on your back.
How to prepare for a Swedish Massage
We highly recommend having a Swedish massage at home. You’re then in your most comfortable environment. The therapist will bring all the necessary equipment and materials.
The therapist will ask you to remove your underwear. However, the therapist will allow you to change in private using draped sheets or towels.
Let your massage therapist understand if you have any pain points or medical conditions. Your massage will last either 60 or 90 minutes depending on what you’ve chosen. Book an at-home Swedish massage today.
Are you looking for a unique type of massage? We also offer deep tissue massage, sports massage, pregnancy massageReflexology, lymphatic drainage massage, and reflexology.
