Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment. Countless civilisations throughout history have recognised the healing power of human touch, especially in Eastern cultures (Ancient Rome, Greece, China and Egypt).

 

 

 

 

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Swedish Massage gets it name from Per Henrik Ling, a Swede who, in the 1800s looked at Eastern and Western massage traditions and developed his own scientific system of massage movements which forms the basis of many massage techniques today. This Swedish Massage system includes long smooth strokes (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), friction and tapping (tapotement) and other techniques that work to relax tired and aching muscles whilst encouraging the flow of blood and lymph and enhancing skin tone.

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Ideal for specific physical problems such as muscle tension and tendon and ligament problems, massage can be used to relax muscles after physical exertion or to warm and loosen them in preparation for exercise. Massage is also a great mental and emotional stress reliever. A treatment leaves clients feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage had 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. 

 

Benefits of Swedish Massage

 

Swedish Massage has been found to have many benefits, including ~

 

≈ Reduction in muscle spasm, pain and tension

≈ Release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers

≈ Relaxation and therefore reduction in anxiety

≈ Improved blood circulation

≈ Improved lymphatic drainage

≈ Improved mobility

≈ Reduction of swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues

≈ Balancing the overall flow of natural life energy through the body

≈ Inducing a feeling of well-being through the comfort of human touch

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