 Swedish massage is currently the most common form of therapeutic massage in america. It involves only the use of hands, forearms or even elbows to knead the deeper layers of muscles to increase physical and mental wellbeing. The deep tissue variety of this massage usually targets the shoulders, back, neck and other deep muscles of the body to relax and release tension. Passive or active motion of the upper extremities can also be a component of the massage. The massage originates from the Swedish Massage technique and has been used as a way of therapy by many therapists.
There are a few key differences between the two forms of Swedish massage which have led to some confusion about the interpretation of its results. One major distinction is in the way the motions are executed. In Swedish massage, the therapist uses smooth circular motions or rapid, jerky movements. This rhythmical technique is meant to mimic the smoothing of a joint through the use of pressure over long intervals. This is in contrast to the more vigorous, chopping up, striking or tearing actions of various other therapists who use gliding or sliding movements. These are the types of movements commonly associated with vigorous, athletic pursuits.
Another way that this massage differs from other forms is in the application of pressure. Swedish massage therapists employ their hands on parts of a client's body which aren't part of their muscle group. more info They concentrate more on the superficial, inner layers of muscles rather than the deeper, more muscular body layers. This is because the Swedish massage has been shown to significantly decrease the blood pressure of individuals who receive it.
There are five basic strokes in a Swedish massage: Measuring, Toning, Stretching, Relaxing and Encouraging. Measuring is done by measuring pressure points with a tape or hand probe. Toning involves stimulating key regions of the body using your thumbs, fingers and palms. Stretching utilizes your hands and legs as you pull and pull muscles in a circular motion; relaxing helps soothe the body and stimulate deep relaxation in joints; and soothing or encouraging Encouraging stimulates your passing vessels to permit blood to flow more freely.
You may be wondering what Swedish massage has to do with the health benefits. The Swedish technique was proven to reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation and has been shown to reduce swelling after a strenuous workout also. By reducing tightness and tension, it also reduces the amount of pain a muscle has to withstand before it relaxes completely. Swedish techniques are used in spas all around the world for treatment of sports injuries, stress and chronic pain.
But there are other reasons for studying this sort of therapy as well. Apart from helping to decrease muscle spasms, it can help to release body toxins through massage strokes. It promotes better circulation by increasing blood flow throughout the body. Through enhanced circulation, toxins that build up can be removed through sweat. Both of these effects combined make for a relaxing experience.
There are many variations on how best to provide a Swedish massage, but there are some essentials that always make for a fantastic session. First, always make sure you start at the feet, working your way up into the head. This is achieved by gently pressing on the region behind the ears and under the eyes. Next, applying firm pressure to every stroke brings the hands to the shoulders and down to the kneading. When giving a Swedish massage, always use your fingertips to apply pressure rather than using your fist. This permits the massage methods to be deeper and more penetrating.
Last, a therapist's hands should never touch a customer's face while giving a Swedish massage. Doing so can lead to damage to the skin and lead to infections. If a therapist inadvertently does rub an infected area, they should wash their hands straight away and not touch that part of their body again until the disease is treated. Swedish massage is an amazing therapy way of relieving tension and stimulating the lymph system. |