Swedish Massage:
The Path to Relaxation and Restoration
Swedish massage is a type of massage aimed at deep tissue penetration, affecting muscles, joints, and vascular-nervous bundles. It was developed by therapist Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 19th century. Since then, this massage has remained one of the most popular despite the abundance of other techniques.
The massage is performed slowly and involves working on muscles and joints. This helps alleviate stress, fatigue, and pain in tense muscles and improves emotional well-being.
Swedish Massage Therapy:
Health Benefits
Massage is an excellent way to relax and unwind after a long day. It can reduce stress and relieve anxiety, improve blood circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and relieve tension. Properly performed actions help increase flexibility and recover from intense physical exertion.
Moreover, massage contributes to the production of endorphins, i.e., natural painkillers and happiness hormones that soothe and improve mood.
And these are not all the health benefits of Swedish massage. Massage therapy also has a positive impact on:
- The lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage occurs naturally when leading an active lifestyle. However, if you move little, lymph accumulates, leading to toxin buildup. Skilled massage helps address this issue.
- Immunity. Massage movements improve blood flow and stimulate lymphatic flow, positively affecting the immune system and enhancing its ability to fight infectious diseases.
- Skin. Massage stimulates and tones sluggish muscles and sagging skin, so after massage therapy, its elasticity and firmness increase, as well as muscle tone.
Experience the healing properties of the Swedish system firsthand by using massage services.
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Techniques of Swedish Massage
Typical Swedish massage session includes various massage techniques:
- Effleurage involves a quick and long glide at the beginning/end of the procedure. This technique is used to distribute oil or lotion and create a kind of “progressive” tissue warming. Depending on the force of the impact, feather stroking, superficial stroking, and deeper stroking are distinguished.
- Petrissage is characterized by deep massage movements, similar to kneading bread. The most common methods are kneading, squeezing, rolling, and lifting. The therapist uses these techniques to gently impact affected areas and stimulate blood flow to the injured area. Kneading is useful for relaxing a specific area of the body, not for treating the whole body.
- Tapotement involves rapid and frequent gliding strokes with the edge of the palm over any part of the body. It is mainly used to “awaken” the nervous system, and increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, as well as stimulate the production of endorphins.
- Friction involves rubbing the massaged area with the thumbs of the hands. The massage therapist may apply pressure in a circular or linear rhythmic manner, rubbing the affected area to soften and loosen muscles. It is best suited for affecting joints.
- Vibration is rhythmic shaking of the massaged area. This leads to deep relaxation. The massage therapist uses palms to relax the skin and muscles.
The goal of a Swedish massage – improving circulation and flexibility, as well as the individual’s overall physical and emotional well-being.
Who Swedish Massage
Is Contraindicated For?
Certain health issues strictly prohibit massage sessions, as procedures can exacerbate existing conditions and worsen health.
Contraindications to massage include:
- Thrombosis. A blood clot can dislodge and block blood vessels when the skin is manipulated. In most cases, this will lead to cardiac arrest.
- Oncological diseases. Changes in the body's functioning may worsen the condition of malignant tumors.
- Skin diseases. During acute stages of skin conditions such as urticaria, psoriasis, dermatitis, and vitiligo, massage procedures are contraindicated. Exceptions can be made during the recovery phase.
- Fever. Massage procedures are not performed during infectious diseases when body temperature is high—such as angina, measles, flu, etc.
- Gallstone disease. Manipulating the back can inadvertently initiate the breakdown of gallstones, which is likely to lead to blockage of bile ducts and subsequent intoxication of the body.
- Integrity of the skin. This is relevant in the presence of skin damage in the areas to be massaged. Strong manipulation can cause skin tears and bleeding.
- Varicose veins. The disease is characterized by thinning of capillary walls. With intense manipulation on diseased vessels, their walls may rupture and start bleeding.
Additionally, there are conditions under which it is recommended to abstain from procedures. Therefore, Swedish massage can be performed after consultation with a physician to avoid any issues.
Swedish Massage in Chicago
for Those Looking to Unwind
Modern life is accompanied by a continuous succession of stresses, high physical and intellectual loads, and burnout. Constant mental tension prevents us from fully relaxing and resting. Therefore, overall relaxation and stress reduction are key tasks for everyone.
Swedish massage therapy is the key to tranquility and serenity! Massage has many benefits, as it can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and adjust the pressure.
To ensure a beneficial treatment, it is recommended to have an experienced professional to conduct massage procedures. At “Massage Bliss and Bodywork” licensed massage therapists provide Swedish massage services in Chicago, IL.
Trust your body to the skilled hands of our therapists. Dedicate such valuable time to yourself and immerse yourself in the world of relaxation and pleasure!
FAQ
Before the procedure, you should undress till level of your comfort and lie comfortably on the massage table . Special oil or cream is applied into the skin. Then, the massage itself is performed. The session is conducted in a dimly lit room in silence, which allows the patient to achieve maximum relaxation.
It all depends on the problem, the overall condition of your body, and whether you are engaged in any sports or recovering from surgery. Each person, each case, is individual. One thing is for sure: you will notice the effect after just one session.
Usually, Swedish massage does not cause painful sensations. However, some people may experience discomfort or unpleasant sensations during the session due to individual body characteristics. If you feel pain during the massage, be sure to discuss it with the massage therapist, so that they can adjust the methods and intensity according to your sensations.
