subject: Promote General Health With A Swedish Massage [print this page] When most people think of massage, they think of Swedish massage therapy, making it one of the most common and popular forms of bodywork available today. The technique of Swedish massage therapy is comprised of long, gliding strokes performed in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Other attributes of Swedish massage therapy include firm kneading, tapping, bending and circular pressure applied by the hands and palms of the massage therapist.
One of the leading reasons that Swedish massage therapy is requested more than any other technique is that is has established a solid reputation for being a very effective and pleasurable treatment for relief from the discomfort of many medical conditions. Doctors are even touting its success in the treatment of some health issues as well - or better than - traditional methods.
The main difference of the Swedish massage therapy over its traditional predecessor is the firmer delivery of the pressure that is used to relax the muscles and relieve tension. In addition to being firmer, the strokes used in Swedish massage therapy at the same time need to be gentle and targeted. Many therapists like to use oil or lotion to stimulate the skin and reduce uncomfortable friction.
While relaxation is the primary objective of Swedish massage therapy, if administered by a trained massage therapist, it will also:
* Increase the level of oxygen in the blood;
* Eliminate potentially-harmful muscle toxins and lactic acid from body tissues;
* Improve your body's blood circulation and ligament flexibility;
* Ease tension and stress (and ailments associated with stress)
Swedish massage therapy also has an edge over drug therapy because it doesn't create long-lasting side effects; instead, it safely:
* Swedish massage therapy loosens tight muscles and tissues;
* Cramps and muscle spasm and fatigue are reduced;
* Range of motion shows marked improvement;
* Swedish massage therapy improves muscle and skin tone;
* Increased muscle strength;
* Expedites healing from an illness or injury;
* Swedish massage therapy is known to promote drainage of metabolic wastes that could be harmful to the body;
* Relieves symptoms of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, discomfort caused by asthma, headache pain and joint pain.
Those are some of the benefits of Swedish massage therapy on the body, but its benefits are also very effective in helping our minds by:* A much better general sense of overall well-being;* A better night's sleep through relaxation and relief from pain;* Relief from the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression;* Improved concentration.Many are surprised to learn that doctors are recommending Swedish massage therapy for the treatment of their health concerns. But it's easy to understand their decision to prescribe it, based on its ability to reduce the effects of tension, create a calming effect within the body, decrease instances of high blood pressure and substantially improve circulation. They are, however, prescribing Swedish massage therapy to complement existing treatment, not replace it.Swedish massage therapy has also been proven to shorten the rehabilitation period required as a result of overextension of the muscles by flushing the body of metabolic wastes which can slow recovery. Swedish massage therapy has also been proven to increase circulation, keeps ligaments and tendons supple and pliable and stimulates the skin and nervous system, making it a preferred program for stress management.by: Bill Brainbert
