Swedish/Holistic Massage Explained

Holistic/Swedish Massage uses a combination of movements to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, particularly the muscles. It can be used for relaxation, stimulation or rehabilitation of the whole body or part of it. It promotes suppleness of the muscles, improves circulation and reduces stress and is a natural and effective way to treat physical and psychological conditions.

Swedish massage is based on techniques developed by Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), a physiologist and fencing master who learnt the ancient art of massage while studying in China. He was from Sweden and massage is still referred to as Swedish because of his influence.

Many systems and methods exist but Swedish massage remains the basis for most massage practice. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as aromatherapy.

Common Ailments Helped by Swedish/Holistic Massage

Stress

One of the best things for stress is rest - giving the body time to heal and restore energy is vital for relaxation and stress reduction And in today’s modern, stressful world one of the best ways to release the strains of the daily grind is to have routine massage sessions. The touch of massage is not only comforting but promotes blood flow, lymph draining and stimulation of the nervous system while stretching and loosening muscles. This in turn causes the release of a chemical called dopamine which gives a sense of well-being – it is said to be 10 times more powerful than morphine. Is this respect massage uplifts us on all levels, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Painful or Tight Muscles

Holistic/Swedish massage can relieve many types of muscle tightness, from a short-term muscle cramp to a habitually clenched jaw or tight shoulders. Swedish/holistic massage releases tension directly by stretching, kneading and compressing the muscles. It also works indirectly by affecting your nervous system to allow your muscles to relax.

Over-Exercised Muscles

After vigorous exercise a build-up of waste products in your muscles can leave you feeling tired and sore. Massage increases circulation, which helps remove the waste products and brings in healing nutrients and oxygen in the blood which promotes healing.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Muscles that are over-worked repeatedly - such as shoulder, arm or hand muscles from daily use at a computer or driving - become so contracted that they press on nerves which causes pain and/or tingling and numbness. In such cases massage helps to release the contracted muscles to bring relief.

Headaches/Migraines

The head, neck and shoulder massage, which is typically carried out at the end of the full-body massage session, is very effective in alleviating the pain of headaches/ migraines. Here the therapist uses a range of different movements including the application of deep kneading and compression strokes over the neck, shoulder, scalp and brow. In addition, the therapist will also gently stimulate pressure points on the face and jaw-line. Head massage is a great stress-buster and also targets tension, fatigue, insomnia and sinusitis. Clients say the experience is deeply calming, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.