Health Benefits of Swedish Body Massage Therapy & its Techniques

With several types of massage therapies being practiced all over the world, the Swedish body massage therapy is considered to be one of the best ever. Since 19th century different massage therapies started gaining popularity and their health benefits were appreciated by all. It is worth knowing about Swedish body massage therapy its health benefits and different techniques used for the massage therapy.

Body massage is undoubtedly one of the most ancient and popular means of treatment and healing when it comes to relieving pain and ache, be it emotional or physical. There are several studies which reveal that a good body massage not only has the power to reduce emotional and physical pain but is also quite effective in curing several ailments. Swedish body massage therapy is one of the well-known massage therapies with well-established health benefits. It can be of great help in healing and relaxing the body from within.

Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish physiologist, invented Swedish body massage therapy which is the perfect combination of exercises and relaxing techniques which work on the human muscles and joints to soothe and calm them. In this technique, the masseur rubs and glides his hands making firm yet gentle strokes on different body parts and muscles while working in the direction which is similar to the flow of blood towards the heart to yield maximum results. Swedish body massage therapy is popular as the masseur applies deep pressure with the hands which has a plethora of health benefits associated with it. Various techniques of Swedish body massage therapy are popular and one can reap health benefits from every technique.

Know the health benefits and techniques used in Swedish body massage for a better understanding of the same.

Here are some of the major health benefits of Swedish body massage therapy:

One of the major health benefits of Swedish body massage therapy is that it is great for reducing both physical and emotional pain while soothing the body and soul completely. This is why it is best for sports people and athletes who suffer from constant muscle ache while playing their sport. Swedish body massage therapy is such that it can target an entire body part such as the legs or a specific area such as the joints of the ankle which might be paining immensely. Chronic pain in any part of the body can also be relieved with the help of a Swedish body massage.

Another important health benefit of Swedish body massage therapy is that it helps to stimulate and increase the circulation of blood in the body. The masseur applies deep strokes in the direction in which the blood flows towards the heart thereby eliminating toxins and wastes from the body. Swedish body massage therapy also increases the flow of blood to all the muscles in the body and improves their performance.

Swedish body massage therapy is beneficial in relaxing body and mind. You will feel extremely relaxed after a 45 minute-session of Swedish body massage therapy as the strokes made by the masseur relax the built up knots and tension which develop in the muscles. If you are suffering from emotional stress, anxiety or even fatigue, a Swedish massage can be of great help in soothing the mind.

With an increased circulation of blood in the body, scars heal rapidly and the skin starts looking younger and healthier in no time. Swedish body massages make the skin tighter and firmer than before. This is one of the most sought after health benefit of Swedish body massage therapy and people also prefer it as an anti-aging health benefit of Swedish massage.

Relieving emotional troubles like depression and anxiety is another important health benefit of Swedish body massage therapy. Getting a Swedish body massage on a regular basis helps to cure bouts of anxiety and depression to a large extent allowing the person to feel calm and composed from within.

Being based on 5 basic stroke techniques, a Swedish body massage therapy is quite comforting and easy. There is no specific massage oil to be used in this therapy and the masseur can make use of any oil for skin lubrication. It is important to first explain to the masseur the kind of pain you are suffering from as the masseur works accordingly to give you the best health benefits. The masseur starts working on the back and then slowly moves to the legs and hands and lastly the neck.

Here are the 5 Stroke Techniques of Swedish Body Massage Therapy:

In this technique of Swedish body massage therapy, the masseur makes use of sweeping and long strokes and focuses on the entire body instead of a specific area. This technique is best for individuals who are looking for overall relaxation and comfort and wish to de-stress their body and mind with the massage. In most cases, a Swedish body massage therapy starts and ends with the effleurage technique.

The technique of Swedish body massage therapy where the masseur uses his fingertips and thumb to knead and squeeze the muscle tissues in between them is known as petrissage. This is the best technique for working out built-in knots, helping them relax and also calming the muscles to relieve pain and stress.

The friction technique of Swedish body massage therapy is the one where a series of circular or short strokes are made on the body thereby generating heat on it. These strokes work both with and against the muscle fiber lines thereby breaking up the muscle tissue adhesions and providing immense relief to the person. In several cases, this is one of the most preferred technique in a Swedish body massage therapy.

This technique or stroke is one where the masseur simply uses the edge of his hands to ‘chop’ and press your muscles thereby relieving any stress in it. This technique of Swedish body massage therapy helps to increase circulation of blood, stimulate the nerves and provides great health benefits.

As the name implies, stretching is a technique wherein the arms and legs of the person are stretched in different positions to make the muscles more responsive, active and energetic than before. Stretching technique of Swedish body massage therapy is generally used at the end of the massage.

A general Swedish body massage therapy lasts for around 45 to 50 minutes which is enough for a masseur who excels in such a massage to provide you immense relief. Whether you are suffering from mental stress, body pain or simply need to relax and unwind, a Swedish body massage done is just perfect. You are sure to find relief and appreciate the health benefits of Swedish body massage therapy.

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• Massage For Frozen Shoulder
• Massage Therapy