Swedish Massage
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest and most natural of all remedial and medical treatments. Swedish massage owes its name to Per Henrik Ling, a 19th century doctor; however, massage was used more than 3000 years ago by the Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Persian and Egyptian cultures.
Swedish massage is a systemic manipulation of the soft body tissues, performed with the hands for therapeutic effects on various body systems. There are a variety of different strokes that the practitioner uses, including: effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement. Depending on the clients needs, the massage can be invigorating or calming. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Shortening recovery time from injuries like muscle sprains, Swedish massage helps to flush body tissues of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes. Asides from increasing circulation to the heart, Swedish massage stretches ligaments and tendons making them more flexible. It can also help to reduce stress, both emotional and physical.
Normally, massage is performed over the whole body; however, the client may prefer more attention to be paid to a specific area such as the legs, and therefore, the client decides on their treatment plan.
Health benefits of massage
The following are the key effects of the massage:
Reduces muscle tension
- Massage affects the muscles throughout the body. Massage affects the muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body. It loosens contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. Massage can stimulate weak, flaccid muscles. Chronic muscle tension reduces the circulation of the blood and movement of lymph in an area.
Improves blood circulation
- The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% after massage. By indirectly or directly stimulating nerves that supply internal organs, blood vessels of these organs dilate and allow greater blood supply to them.
Induces better lymph movement
- Lymph is a milky white fluid that drains impurities and waste away from tissue cells. A component of these waste is toxins which are the by-products of metabolism. So, it is a vital to our health. Muscular contraction has pumping effect that moves lymph. Massage and exercise help to move lymph.
Results in increased mobility and range of motion of joints
- Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the muscles and many other part of the body, which helps keeps these tissues elastic.
Stimulates or soothes nervous system
- Massage balance the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed by the individual at the time of the massage.
Enhances skin condition
- Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat gland, which keep the skin lubricated, clean and cool.
Results in better digestion and intestinal function
- Massage increases the body's secretions and excretion. It increases the production of gastric juices, saliva and urine. There is also an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and salt. As a result, the metabolic rate increases.
Relieves acute and chronic pain
- Massage can promote recovery from fatigue and from minor pain
Other benefits of massage
- has beneficial effects on the internal organs and the immune system
- reduces swelling and stress
- is useful for general relaxation
- results in overall improvement in physical health and quality of life
