massage FAQ/Blog

What is Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the manual manipulation of the soft tissue by gliding, kneading, pressing, pumping, rubbing and tapping strokes. You are draped by a towel/s on a very comfortable and padded table. Table massage promotes relaxation, relief from stress and a feeling of peace, well-being, feeling more “grounded”, centered and balanced (restoration of homeostasis).

The label “Swedish” comes from the system of massage developed and formalized by Per Henrik Ling(1776-1839). It is the application of strokes including effleurage, kneading, tapping, friction, and vibration to the soft tissues of the body with special emphasis on enhancing circulation and relieving muscle tension. Oil or cream is used on the skin as a lubricant and active and passive joint movement are also employed to increase range of motion.

Swedish massage is much more than a “back rub” or “the fluff treatment.” A well-trained therapist uses their strokes to precisely address tension patterns, tracing the length of the specific muscles to assess their tone and encouraging fresh circulation in areas where blood flow is constricted by tension.

As muscles receive a fuller measure of oxygen and nutrients, their flexibility improves while the pain of constriction decreases. Lactic acid and other cellular waste products are washed from the tissues into circulation. Lymph flow is enhanced, boosting the efficiency of the immune system. As normalcy is restored, the nervous system is calmed, breathing slows, and deep relaxation occurs.

A body massage will leave you with a feeling of physical and mental well-being and in a state of relaxation.