Swedish massage is one of the most common treatments used around the world today as it manipulates soft body tissues like the muscles.

It involves the client lying down on the massage table undressed but covered appropriately and only having the body part which the therapist is working on displayed.

The therapist will choose a medium to work with such as a carrier oil like grapeseed or other lotions.

Certain techniques used for massage are long, soft kneading strokes, tapping and rubbing. These techniques come in four categories such as effleurage which is gentle stroking, petrissage which is kneading, vibration which is tapping and hacking which is karate chops, all combined to make up Swedish massage.

This helps improve the blood circulation, relieve tired muscles, aches and pains whilst also calming the mind and body leaving the client relaxed but also invigorated.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a therapeutic massage that increases blood circulation, with its main aim being to relax the body. There is a wide variety of benefits that come with this massage treatment. Reducing stress is one of the primary benefits, as the long, slow, stroking movements help slow the mind and relax the body. The setting of our relaxing treatment space encourages this also, which in turn can give a better night’s sleep whilst simultaneously helping to reduce the cortisol hormone our body produces when we get overly stressed in our busy fast paced lifestyles. Moreover, it can further support our immune system, as if your cortisol levels drop it helps your immune system get stronger, which means you are more equipped to fight of illness. 

Another amazing benefit from this therapy is an increase in blood flow as this helps remove the toxins from your body and allows your muscles to get more oxygen and nutrients.

The massage also reduces muscle tension, aches, and pains, helps aid digestion, and can leave you feeling very relaxed and energised.

Swedish massage does, however, have limitations and we call these contraindications. Some of these are contained locally which means the therapist will work around the area that has the contraindications. These may be cuts, bruising, broken bones and burns, for example, and should always be avoided when the therapist is carrying out the massage. 

Brief History of Swedish Massage

A Swedish Fencing instructor called Per Henrik Ling invented Swedish Massage in 1830’s.

He had injured elbows and evidently cured himself using stroking and tapping techniques around the problematic area which he later developed into Swedish massage making himself a pioneer of physiotherapy and gymnastics.

Reasons to have a Swedish Massage

: It is a light/medium touch therapy.

: Helps reduce Anxiety.

: It helps elongate the muscles.

: Reduces swelling.

: Improves Mood

: Supports the immune system.

: Increases the supply of nutrients to the muscles.

: Increases energy.

: Helps to improve posture.

: Improves blood circulation.

: Improves sleep.

: Relieves Headaches

: Increases flexibility.

: Helps reduce Cortisol levels in the body.

These are just a few of the things that Swedish massage can help with.

What happens to your body After a Swedish Massage?

Since Swedish Massage is not as extreme as remedial or sports massage, you can expect to feel very tranquil and calm afterwards, you may also feel a little tired and might want to take time out to sit or have a little lie down due to your body working on ridding the toxins.

Swedish Massage also aids in increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in the body.

Always drink plenty of water after your massage to get the most from your treatment as this will help flush out the toxins and help ease muscle cramps and balance the body.

Heather is a Swedish Massage Therapist who qualified in 2022 from The Complimentary Therapy School (CTS) with distinction. She is fully insured and a full member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).

Heather is passionate in wanting to help people switch off, relax & unwind; so that they can relieve stress and avoid burn out.

She believes that we are all need to take a step back to recharge and take in a few special moments in the week for ourselves, whether it’s a relaxing massage, reading your favourite book or to just be in the present moment.

Heather will be working every Wednesday from our AB Wellness & Reflexology treatment space within the tranquil location of Chapelton. You can see her availability and book in your treatment session with her via this link.