Using the Classic Swedish Massage for Daily Wellness

While certain forms of massage are often used to address specific forms of pain or other issues that are taking place in the body, some people just want a massage to relax, improve their circulation and wind down. The Swedish massage, known in many other parts of the world as simply a "classic" massage, is one of the top candidates here.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, Swedish massage is one of several techniques we're happy to offer to clients who just want to relax and unwind a bit. Many of our clients use it for a combination of relaxation and regular wellness improvements, and it has several benefits in both these areas. Here are some basics to know about this technique, plus some of its key benefits for many people.

How Swedish Massage is Performed

Within a Swedish massage, a massage therapist may call on a few time-tested techniques:

• Petrissage: The technical term for kneading, wringing, and rolling tissues in your body, this technique is often used to break up knots and tension in the body. It helps attract blood flow to certain areas, too.
• Effleurage: This technique is often used to apply soothing and broad strokes to the entire body in an effort to loosen up tension and improve relaxation overall. It involves gliding motions across the skin and applying light pressure to help relax muscles.
• Vibration: Many therapists add a bit of vibration to their Swedish massage. This can help loosen up knots and tense muscles, and it often helps people relax even more quickly.
• Tapotement: Referring to the act of "soft chopping" that therapists use to help loosen up knots in the muscles and increase circulation, this technique is often done at the end of a massage session.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage comes with several specific and broad benefits that make it ideal as a daily wellness technique. Here are some of the most notable:

• Stress and blood pressure management: This massage helps many people reduce their blood pressure and cortisol levels, which ultimately helps them better manage stress. By reducing these levels, many people are able to enjoy a more relaxed state overall.
• Sleep improvement: Many people have used Swedish massage to help them wind down and fall asleep faster and get better sleep each night.
• Pain relief: With its combination of kneading, vibration, effleurage and other techniques, this form of massage can often help to reduce chronic pain in the body.
• Improved flexibility: Swedish massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion over time, making it an ideal choice for those who struggle with tight muscles.
• Immune system function: Thanks to the boost in circulation that Swedish massage can often bring, it helps many people improve their immune system function.
• Simple relaxation: For those who just want to relax and wind down, Swedish massage is a great choice. It can provide an hour of restful relaxation without the need for any additional techniques.

Comparing to Other Techniques

Firstly, it should be noted that Swedish massage pulls from several other techniques, including Shiatsu and some aspects of deep tissue massage. However, its focus is on relaxation rather than dealing with specific pain or tension points in the body. It's also generally a less aggressive technique when compared to deeply focused forms of massage, making it a great choice for those who just need to relax.

Deep tissue massage, for instance, is typically much more focused on specific knots and tension points in the body, while Swedish massage looks to provide a sense of calming relaxation with its broader strokes and techniques.

Overall, Swedish massage is an ideal choice for those who want to relax and improve their overall wellness without focusing too much on any specific pain points in the body. It comes with some scientifically-backed benefits and can be a great choice for those who want to take their wellness routine up a notch. It is also typically less aggressive than deep tissue massage, making it a great choice for those who just need to relax.

At Body Balance Massage and Wellness, we offer a variety of massage services that may help you achieve your desired state of relaxation. Contact us today to find out more!