SWEDISH MASSAGE

As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of the blood returning to the heart. But it goes beyond relaxation as it is also beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and improving flexibility whilst easing tension.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.

Swedish Massage Techniques

Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.