Swedish massage is among the most sought-after massage techniques in the world. It is sometimes known as a standard massage. This technique is designed to induce relaxation through the release of tension in the muscles through massage strokes.
Swedish massage is comprised of longer strokes, with more pressure than massage therapists used to. The Swedish massage practitioner uses their hands to stroke the body with rhythmic gliding movements, using a range of hand pressures, and using different temperatures. A person getting the Swedish massage will sense the pressure building into the muscles while the therapist is performing these strokes. There are some who prefer just the one or two Swedish massage strokes; however many people find the soothing effect and long strokes create an extremely relaxing experience. Swedish massage uses softer pressure than deep tissue massage. Therefore, it is better suited for those looking for relief from muscle stress and tightness.
The main difference between regular techniques for effleurage and Swedish massage is the usage of a roller or an Effleurage pump. The roller strokes used in Effleurage use long, continuous strokes, which are believed to stretch the muscles but in Swedish massage, the practitioner only uses long, upward strokes that are thought to be more efficient as the focus is on relaxing the body. This massage employs slow, stroking movements. The long periods of undulations (no movement) in strokes are common in Swedish massage.
Swedish massage therapists employ their thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, and even knees to give their strokes the characteristic torsion springs action. Therapists in massage are trained how to use their fingertips to relax and relieve tension in muscles. Effleurage can be caused by lengthy strokes. This is because the torsion springs generated by each stroke are released, as the massage therapist works in a more relaxed state. Massage therapists often believe they can relax clients faster by using long gentle strokes.
Regular Swedish massage therapy is typically suggested by those who suffer from chronic pain. Swedish massage therapists employ long, gliding strokes. These are believed to ease discomfort as they allow a person's muscles to relax. Massage therapists can reduce pain by rolling on the areas of the body that are painful. This type of stroke can also ease muscle spasms and make the patient feel more relaxed. Massage therapists can achieve greater levels of relaxation by combining rolling with effleurage (long flowing strokes).
Swedish massage offers another benefit that is particularly relevant for pregnant women: the ability to reduce swelling. Swedish massage is able to reduce the amount of fluid retained caused by muscle soreness and cramps. There are many ways to use pregnancy massage therapy. In one method the massage therapist uses long, gliding strokes to ease the discomfort that is caused by varicose veins, which result from hormonal imbalances that occur during pregnancy. In other techniques, specific regions of the back are targeted while massaging certain parts of the face like the cheeks or the chin, can also help to relax facial muscles.
Regular Swedish massages can increase blood pressure, causing dizziness. Although blood pressure could rise by a small amount due to this massage, it's not a significant increase and it is safe for adults who are healthy. Patients who are concerned about getting sedated may be concerned about the inability to breathe during the Swedish massage. The massage strokes are not difficult to do and will not alter a person's normal breathing pattern. Massage oil is hypoallergenic and does not contain any scents or perfumes.
Shiatsu Massage: Shiatsu massage is also often called reflexology, and it involves several different massage strokes and techniques. The massage practitioner uses their fingers, thumbs, and hands to massage the body in various areas. Reflexology therapists typically employ different techniques to enhance the effectiveness of their massages. This can help avoid reactions that are not desired and also prevents any pain. Massages performed by an experienced Shiatsu massage therapist can help reduce anxiety and stress which is the most common side effect of many types of massage therapies.
