Swedish massage is one of the best known massage techniques. It also serves as a foundational technique for other types of massage. Swedish massage uses a variety of techniques, from long and gliding strokes to kneading the muscle. This type of massage is often adapted for sports massage and is used frequently by athletes to maintain optimal body health. The benefits of this type of massage are apparent after one session with a skilled masseuse.
Increases Blood and Oxygen Flow
By gently stroking the body in the direction of blood flow, Swedish massage increases blood and oxygen flow without increasing the burden on your heart. In addition, the techniques used in Swedish massage dilate the blood vessels, improving circulation throughout your body.
Flushes Waste
Swedish massage employs techniques that stimulate your lymph nodes, aiding your body’s natural process of reducing waste product and toxins. Lactic acid buildup, in particular, is released with this type of massage, which shortens recovery time from a hard workout. After a Swedish massage, your masseuse may recommend that you drink several glasses of water to ensure that the toxins released by the massage are fully eliminated from your body.
Relaxes
Masseuses practiced in the Swedish massage techniques are especially adept at the light, gentle touch required to give a good Swedish massage. Rather than the powerful releases of techniques such as acupressure massage, Swedish massage is softer and more subtle. The strokes involved stretch and lengthen, gently knead, gently vibrate or use soft tapping to encourage blood circulation and lymphatic function.
Lengthens Muscles
Swedish massage focuses on lengthening and stretching your muscles and tendons. As a result, you minimize the risk of injury due to tight or overly short muscles. One of the key techniques for Swedish massage uses passive and active movements to manipulate your body with light stretches. For example, a practitioner may stretch your arms over and across your body to help lengthen the muscles and tendons in the shoulder and back. However, the stretches are never forced. Rather, they are gentle and slow, enabling the muscles to slowly release and lengthen.
