Swedish Massage

A deep and invigorating massage

The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time helping to reduce stress. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

What are the benefits?

• Enhanced feeling of relaxation and contentment
• Relief from pain e.g. headaches and back pain, and from stress and tension
• The release of endorphins, the body’s feel good hormones
• Improved blood and lymph circulation
• Increased energy levels and feelings of vitality
• Injury recovery
• A general sense of health and well-being

What are the effects?

• Circulation - the circulation of blood carries food and oxygen to all parts of the body and will provide a defence against infection. It will also carry away waste products via the lymphatic circulation. During massage the circulation is improved which means the nutrition to the tissues and the removal of waste products are both improved.

• Lungs - Body massage increases nutrition to the lungs, aiding with gaseous interchange helping to rid the body of carbon dioxide replenishing it with oxygen. It strengthens and improves the tone of the respiratory muscles, helping to loosen any mucus or foreign particles present.

• Metabolism - Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food and other substances into energy for utilization i.e. growth, repair and maintenance of a fit healthy body. It involves the taking in of oxygen which repairs broken down and used tissues, and the digestion of food which when broken down is absorbed and used in metabolic process provide energy. Body massage increases metabolic rate.

• Adipose tissue - This is the fatty tissue of the body, which is very hard to remove with massage alone. Therefore when combined with a sensible diet and regular exercise body massage can help soften dense areas of firm solid fat helping to push the tissue fluids along and speed up the flow of circulation reducing oedema.

• Nervous system - generally body massage can revive tired muscles and stimulate the central nervous system.

• Abdominal organs - body massage aids digestion, helps to relieve flatulence and intestinal spasm, increases circulation, stimulates peristalsis.

• Bones and joints – Pressure against the periosteum will stimulate the blood circulation to the bones, this in turn nourishes the bone and the joints in that area, increasing their mobility and preventing the stiffness in the joints.