Swedish / Relaxation Massage
Swedish/Circulatory Massage is deeply relaxing and extremely beneficial to the circulatory system. This massage incorporates long, flowing, kneading strokes, as gentle or as deep as your body needs. Great for relieving sore muscles, improving circulation and lymphatic health, increasing range of motion, reducing stress and tension. Promotes blood and oxygen flow to muscle and connective tissue, and eliminates built-up toxins.
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.
The term “Swedish Massage” refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.
Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions:
- Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
- Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
- Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
- Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
- Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
- Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching, range-of-motion
Swedish massage 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. Swedish massage 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 in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.
Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.