Swedish massage therapy is one of the classic and widely practiced therapeutic massages in the world. It is gentler than deep tissue or acupuncture massage and is suited for people looking for relaxation and tension relief.
In it, the therapist uses hands, forearms or elbows to perform massage steps such as gliding, tapping, kneading, stretching, and cross-friction strokes. Generally, each session of Swedish massage lasts for 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the style of the therapist. In all, its main focus is on overall relaxation, pain relief, physical and mental wellness.
Here are some significant benefits of this massage therapy:
- Pain Management: Swedish massage is considered as an integral part of the pain management process for chronic pain. Generally, the therapy includes five different techniques – effleurage, petrissage, rhythmic tapping, friction, and vibration, which effectively enhance the recovery process. It can potentially relieve pain by facilitating the optimum flow of oxygen to various parts of the body. Pro tip: If you’re suffering from conditions like sciatica or osteoarthritis, Swedish massage can be an effective option to manage the pain naturally.
- Improves Immune System and Blood Circulation: Swedish massage can lower down the cortisol levels and potentially boosts the immune system. According to a study, this massage also plays a crucial role in helping the patients to recover from life-threatening diseases like cancer. It heals such patients by reducing symptoms like torment, physical discomfort, emotional distress, and weakness. Additionally, it also promotes better blood circulation, which enables penetration of maximum nutrients and oxygen in your body.
- Reduces Stress: One of the main objectives of this massage is to relax an individual both physically and mentally through the different techniques. The relaxation is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the opposite direction of blood circulation. It also lowers the level of cortisol – the stress hormone in the body. The massage reduces or eliminates headaches, tension, muscular pain, and insomnia.
- Other Benefits:
- Eliminate disorders such as asthma, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain syndromes, myofacial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and athletic injuries.
- Stimulates the collagen production and rejuvenates the skin.
- Improves lymphatic drainage of metabolic wastes.
- Loosens the tight muscles and stretches connective tissues.
Relaxation, pain management, stress relief, and healing are the top reasons why Swedish massage is so popular. To learn and enjoy the innumerable benefits of this massage, join Ecole Setsuko– the pioneer in all kinds of massage therapies.