Swedish Massage
The history of Massage Therapy can be traced back over 5,000 years varying in many different types and applications. Chinese, Persian, and Egyptian cultures have all recorded the use of Massage Therapy for a variety of purposes including the improvement of circulatory and joint movement issues.
Swedish massage, also known as "therapeutic massage" is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying firm but gentle pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.
Swedish Massage Techniques
Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. These techniques involve the client being treated lying down on a massage table or in a massage chair, or on a mattress on the floor. The treatment may start with the client face up or down for the first part of the session, the client then turns over, draped by the towels or sheets for the second half of the session. The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body.
Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. The ideal amount of pressure for therapeutic massage is when the receiver experiences some discomfort, which activates the body's natural healing response. If it is too deep, the result may be another trauma to the body. Some soreness after the massage is acceptable if it lasts less than one or two days.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
- Creates feelings of relaxation and well being
- Affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation
- Promotes health and well being
- Increases the oxygen flow in the blood and releases toxins from the muscles
- Shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes
- Increases circulation without increasing heart load
- Stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable
- Stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves
- Reduces stress, both emotional and physical
- Relief of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Breaks up mucus and other respiratory discharge in the lungs
- Can relieve colic and gas as well as constipation
- Promotes better digestion
- Increases flexibility and durability of muscles
- Supports relaxation and improves sleep
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves posture
- Promotes deep and easy breathing
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Rehabilitation after surgery or injury
How does massage work to relax muscles?
As the therapist uses their hands to rhythmically knead, rub, and stroke, effluerage muscles, circulation is stimulated. Blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients and is key to helping muscles eliminate waste products such as lactic acid that may collect in muscles from spasms causing pain. Following trauma, muscles may act as mini-splints to protect and limit motion, similar to a cast on a broken arm. A typical example is a person who uses a computer for a prolonged time period without taking a break to stretch the neck. The result is a stiff neck, aching or even pain. Taking periodic breaks to rub, mini-massage and stretch the neck will promote circulation to the muscles.