What is a Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It involves the use of oils or creams and uses a variety of strokes which encourages the return circulation of the blood and lymph to the heat and improves joint movement. It is soothing, relaxing and helps relieve stress. A Swedish massage usually begins with a light steady touch, followed by broad gliding strokes. These strokes warm the muscles, calm the nervous system and release tension. Gradually, as your body relaxes, your therapist will work more deeply to relax specific areas.
Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and gently rubbing in the same direction as the flow of the blood returning to the heart. We use all four massage heads to replicate a palm style massage. Palm or forearm massages, with long strokes, are generally used for Swedish style massages. A Swedish massage is good for loosening up muscles and stimulating blood flow, but is not meant to stimulate individual acupoints the way a Shi-Atsu massage can.
