Types of Massage - Swedish

Swedish Massage focuses on increasing circulation and providing relaxation and tension relief using kneading, and long smooth strokes. We aim for consistent touch and relaxing rhythm; this helps you relax and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). this helps relieve stress calming the mind and emotions bringing the body back to center.

Techniques often used in Swedish massage include:

Long gliding strokes that promote circulation and relaxation calming the nervous system.

Kneading includes lifting and squeezing motions to ease muscle tension.

Friction is performed in a circular or cross fiber (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) breaking down adhesions and improving flexibility.

Tapping is a light percussion to provide stimulation to increase circulation.

Vibration provides gentle shaking or rocikng to relax muscles and increase circulation.

Benefits of Swedish massage include reduced stress tension and muscle pain. increases circulation and boosts the immune system. Some swelling can also be addressed and relieved with Swedish.

When you find yourself stressed to the point that you can’t calm or settle Swedish can help. even if you typically need and want a deeper modality, sometimes you may need to recenter and calm the nervous system first to make your preferred style more effective.

Swedish massage can boost your mood and help with sleep in addition to relaxation and increased circulation.

Intensity of Swedish massage is light to medium as the focus is on the muscle layer closest to the surface and stress relief.

We hope you enjoyed the first of the series: Types of Massage! Let us know what you think and keep in touch for the next one!