Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage incorporates various different techniques. It can be deep tissue work, or light relaxing touch, depending on the needs of the client.
Strained muscles benefit greatly from the deep tissue work, enhancing blood and oxygen flow which shortens recovery time considerably. The massage will help stretch and loosen muscle and connective tissue and the removal of metabolic waste products caused by exercise or inactivity is facilitated.
Other benefits of Swedish massage include
Improved elasticity of the skin
Improved circulation - oxygenated blood delivery and removal of toxins
Pain reduction - Massage stimulates the brain to release natural pain
killers
Anxiety reduction - as the client relaxes more, the anxiety ebbs away
Relaxation - the body lets go of accumulated tension
More energy - tension tends to 'trap' energy, so massaging away tension
will enable the energy to flow.
During a treatment. Firstly the client will have a consultation to determine whether there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment). Also any problem areas would be discussed so that the therapist would have an idea of what the client is expecting from the treatment. The client is asked to undress to their underwear or to their level of modesty and to lie on the couch under a large towel/towels. During the treatment the therapist only exposes the body parts to which the treatment is being applied, the client's modesty and comfort is ensured at all times. It is a common misconception that during a massage you are uncovered and exposed, this is definitely not the case. The therapist will also not massage any area that the client is uncomfortable with, ie abdominals, feet, knees. This should be discussed during the consultation, but if a client feels uncomfortable during any part of the massage they can say then and there.
Generally massage oils are used during a treatment. These allow the hands to flow more freely across the area, and nourish the skin. Other massage mediums include talc, creams or lotions. Your requirements (including any nut allergies) will be discussed with the therapist to ensure your treatment suits your needs.
After the massage the client feels a warm glow throughout the body due
to an increased production of heat caused by the improved blood supply
to the muscles.