Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage.
It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812.
It is the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes.
Swedish massage is available as a full body massage, as a back massage, or as a back neck and shoulder massage.
It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.
Swedish massage employs five different movements:
- long, gliding strokes
- kneading of individual muscles
- friction
- hacking or tapping
- vibration
The therapist generally uses massage oil, talc, or cream to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body.
Swedish massage is done with the person covered by towels, a technique called "draping".
One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.
Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy.
There are so many more benefits of massage and if you've never had a massage before, now is definitely the time to get one which ever one you choose.
Massage is much more than a luxury treatment that makes us feel good. There are numerous benefits to our health, which have been recognised and valued for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese all used massage to preserve health and aid healing. Massage promotes health by boosting the body's own processes.
In summary, the benefits of massage are:
- Physical, mental and emotional stress reduced
- Back health maintained
- Pain relieved
- Circulation improved leading to improved health
- Immune system boosted
- Skin condition & muscle tone improved, cellulite reduced