Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is the best known form of bodywork massage around the world, and with good reason! The primary goal of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body (and as such we recommend at least a 1-hour massage for Swedish to enable a full body treatment) by relieving tension. Swedish massage is both relaxing and energising at the same time. This modality involves soft, long, kneading strokes as well as rhythmic tapping strokes on the topmost layer of muscle. The four common strokes of Swedish Massage include:
Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax the soft tissue.
Petrissage: a squeezing, rolling and kneading of the muscles that follows effleurage
Friction: a deep, circular movement that causes muscle layers to rub against each other
Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand
There are many proven benefits to the person receiving a Swedish massage including:
- Significant decreases in the stress hormone cortisol.
- Increase in white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system (to help fight the cold & flu).
- Increased oxygen flow to the muscles, and improved overall blood circulation
- Soothing of the nervous system
- Muscle relaxation and stretching of tendons & ligaments
- Reduction in stress (both physical and emotional) – Swedish massage is recommended as part of a regular program for stress management.