Swedish massage therapy is extremely well-known. It is the foundation for other techniques. Swedish massages focus on anatomy and physiology. They provide not only physical, but mental relief. Read below for how you can benefit from a Swedish massage and what it entails.
Before Your Massage
Massages can last 50 to 90 minutes. Communicate with your therapist and inform them if you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
During Your Massage
Typically you are nude underneath a sheet or towel. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body being worked on. If nudity makes you uncomfortable, wear underwear which most first-comers do. Breathe normally and deeply; you’re here to relax.
Oils help lubricate and also warm the skin. Each massage therapist has a different style. You normally start face down, in the u-shaped holder. This preserves your neck alignment. Massage movements include stroking, gliding, kneading, friction, or tapping.
These light strokes combine low to medium pressures to ease your muscles. Speak up if you want your therapist to spend more time on certain areas. If you want deeper pressure and can tolerate more to get relief from muscle pain, it’s better to book a deep tissue massage, which is another form of Swedish massage.
Benefits
One of the top benefits is that Swedish massages calm your nervous system and ease muscle tension. Stress affects everyone. Mental stress can manifest itself in your body causing unwanted tension and pain. Swedish massage helps reset your body and mind from these natural responses to stress.
It also improves flexibility and posture. Working out tension elongates muscles while also decreasing swelling and any inflammation. For people prone to sitting for long periods of time or injury, it is a way of balancing out.
This massage technique improves blood circulation and relieves headaches. Many headaches can be caused by poor circulation. Massage dilates your blood vessels, making it easier to deliver fresh blood to muscles and organs. This promotes oxygen delivery, which in turn energizes and renews you. It also awakens your lymphatic system. This is responsible for the disposal of bad toxins and waste.
Lastly, massage allows an endorphin release which improves your mood. Increasing serotonin and dopamine levels promote better emotional well-being. This positively impacts your quality of sleep, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Tips
Stay hydrated post massage. You’re also going to want to take it slow; do not rush into anything hectic. Go enjoy your newly refreshed self.
If you’re still curious about how massages can improve your well being, read our testimonials. If you have further questions about Swedish massage, give us a call at the top of our site. Our professional massage therapists can help find the perfect massage type for you!