subject: Defeat Stress But Also Increase Well Being By Way Of An Invigorating 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.
Why is Swedish massage therapy requested more than any other type of massage technique? One of the most prominent reasons is that Swedish massage has established a reputation of being a very effectual - and at the same time enjoyable - option for relieving discomfort from a number of ailments. It is even gathering the support of doctors nationwide, who claim that the benefits of Swedish massage therapy can be as effective as other treatments for some health issues.
So what is the main distinction between traditional massage therapy and Swedish massage therapy? The most prominent variant is the amount of pressure used to relieve tension and relax the muscles. Not only is the pressure applied during Swedish massage a bit firmer, but it must also remain gentle and targeted to the proper area. Sometimes this type of massage can create friction on the skin, so many therapists choose to use lotions or oils when performing this technique.
The main goal of Swedish massage therapy is to relax the entire body and provided that it is performed correctly (by a trained professional), it will:
Escalate the amount of oxygen in the blood;
Eliminate toxins that could prove to be harmful;
Increase circulation and enhance flexibility;
Provide relief from stress and its related symptoms.
Unlike drug therapy, which often results in long-term side effects, Swedish massage therapy is safe and effective in:
Relaxes tight muscles;
Relieves pain from cramping and spasms in the muscles;
Increases mobility;
Improves skin tone;
Strengthens the muscles;
Reduces rehabilitation time for illness or injury;
Eliminates waste that can harm the body;
Relieves pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and headache/joint pain.
Those are just some of the healing benefits for the body ... but Swedish massage therapy is also known to enhance our mind as well by providing:
Improving your overall sense of well-being;
Enhancing your sleep habits;
Relieving depression, stress, irritation and anxiety;
Increasing your ability to concentrate.
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.
