Swedish Body Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health and well-being.
A typical full-body massage session lasts for about one hour, many therapists will offer shorter sessions for treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains. On the first visit clients are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).
Reduces stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body
This massage is performed with oil (grapeseed, sweet almond, coconut, etc. to suit the client’s individual needs). A good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement as it allows the hands to glide over the area. The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the strength of their touch. Remember, "no pain, no gain" holds no truth in massage. If in discomfort or hurting, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.
The benefits of Massage may include the following:
- Reduces stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body
- Creates a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem
- Promotes positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation
- Eases emotional trauma through relaxation
- It helps increase joint mobility
- It increases peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas
- Deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles
- It improves circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration
- Improves elasticity of the skin
- It increases sebum production, helping to improve the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection
- Strengthens the immune system, due to increase in white blood cells
- Helps to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood)
- Can reduce oedemas (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system
- Improves circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart
- Relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
- Increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
- It increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness
- Promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle
- Improves muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.
It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the Arabic ’mass’ or ’Mas’h’ meaning to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain or discomfort.
Today, massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which have their roots in the Swedish system. The general public is now very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries.
Swedish massage techniques increase blood and lymphatic circulation. Helps elimination of waste products from deep muscular tissues with particular attention being paid to areas of tension.
During the holistic approach, the therapist considers, not only the symptoms and medical history of the client but also their lifestyle and circumstances and so tries to alleviate the root cause of the disease, or imbalance, thereby caring for the whole person and aiding them to heal themselves.
Aftercare Advice for Swedish Massage
After a Swedish treatment, it is common that you may feel sleepy or energised. Your body may feel hot or even shivery as your blood pressure changes when you are relaxed or revitalised.
To get the most out of your received treatment;
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid strenuous activity for the next 12 hours
- Avoid alcohol or any other stimulants (drugs, tea, soft drinks, coffee) for at least 12 hours after the treatment
- Rest after the treatment
Please record any adverse effects you experience.