What is swedish massage?

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study examining the effects of Swedish massage. Just one session had a positive effect on the body’s immune function and hormonal response. 

​

The researchers concluded that just one session produces biological effects that are measurable and may have a positive effect on the immune system. 

​

Of course, besides all the numerous benefits for the health of mind, body, and spirit, massage simply feels great! It can help elevate your mood and relax you, to promote happiness and a general sense of well-being.

​​

​

There are various techniques that may be used in one Swedish massage session. Every therapist will operate differently, but it’s vital that you get your massage from a licensed and trained therapist such as our staff here at The Deep Tissue Spa. You may choose to have a gentle and relaxing session, or a more vigorous and bracing massage. 

​

If you are looking to have a specific pain issue worked on you should ask for a clinical massage, or sports therapy. Swedish massage is designed for stress relief, and relaxation. 

​

Techniques 

Every massage is different, and each type is defined by the strokes and style that is used. Every Swedish massage starts with your skin being lubricated with massage oil. We use pure grapeseed oil for its skin conditioning benefits and purity. 

​

The initial strokes will warm the tissues and work them at the same time, breaking up any knots and releasing muscle tension. 

​

Massage therapists use five different stroke techniques during the typical Swedish massage. 

• Petrissage is a technique that uses kneading and squeezing- it works deep into the muscles, breaking up those nasty knots. 

• Effleurage is those long, sweeping strokes over the entirety of your body, rather than focusing on one area. This is usually the stroke that begins and ends the session. 

• The percussion technique is the tapping or chopping motion. 

• Stretching is used for the therapist to manipulate your limbs into various positions to stretch those muscles. 

• The friction technique is a series of short strokes, or circular strokes, generating heat. These strokes follow the muscle fiber lines or go against them to break up tight areas in the muscle tissue. 

​

Benefits 

Swedish massage is very popular because it has so many benefits that range from improved emotional wellbeing to physical health.  

​

The physical benefits include: 

• The breakdown of knots in your muscles

• Improved blood circulation and flow

• Pain relief

• Release of lymphatic and metabolic wastes from the tissues 

• The Mayo Clinic points to a number of conditions that can benefit from massage, including digestive disorders, headaches, anxiety, fibromyalgia, soft tissue injuries, insomnia, and more. 

​

In terms of the mental benefits…

• Swedish massage provides relaxation 

• Reduces stress - Because of the reduction in stress, it has an effect on your physical health, too, by increasing your immune system’s ability to fight illness and disease. 

• Boosts positive mood and general feelings of wellbeing

​

If you feel run down, or you are constantly stressed, you are dealing with depression, or you have trouble sleeping, then Swedish massage is the perfect choice. We are surrounded by stress every day, but it’s how our body can handle it that makes the difference between poor health, and your body’s ability to bounce back. 

​

With a reduction in stress and a stronger immune system, you will find it easier to fall into a healthy sleep cycle. 

​

A good night’s sleep has an important effect on your immune system too, as sleep is when your body heals and your mind gets to rest and de-stress.