This article explains the many benefits of Swedish massage
for the body. This manual therapy will help us to relax physically and
mentally.
What Is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is one of the most used massage techniques
in Europe and, as the name suggests, created in Sweden in 1830 by Henrik Ling,
an expert in anatomy and physiology, as well as a gymnastics instructor at the
Swedish War Academy Karlberg, being the creator of the famous Swedish
Gymnastics.
Ling learned oriental massage techniques that she then
combined with her anatomical and physiological knowledge, which served to
create what is now known as Swedish massage and is considered the forerunner of
Kinesiotherapy.
How Does It Work?
Swedish and deep tissue massage is based on the combination
of five fundamental passages that produce the effects of elimination of toxins
accumulated by tension in the muscles, improvement of blood circulation and,
therefore, oxygenation of tissues. All this produces muscular efficiency and
relaxation contributing psychic well-being and reduction of stress.
These Are The Five Main Movements Of Swedish Massage:
- Friction: Movements along the body in an upward direction. They allow relaxing the body and prepare it for the massage.
- Kneading: These manipulations of Swedish massage remind the movement of kneading the flour, and its function is to enhance circulation and loosen deeper tensions, also are very relaxing.
- Rollers: It consists of gently pinching the skin and climbing, for example, from the lumbar to the shoulder, as if we were rolling the dermis. It produces a relaxation of the outer layers of the tissues and a blood supply.
- Deep friction: movements in a circle that produce a relaxing and sedative sensation.
- Percussion: It is done with the palms of the hands cupped and gently. They rhythmically and softly pat on the back and extremities. This stimulates the nervous system and blood circulation, pleasantly toning the patient to help him get out of the relaxed state of Swedish massage in a pleasant and effective way.
Benefits Of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage produces multiple benefits for the body and
for personal well-being. These are some of the most important:
- Soothes pains produced by contractures, muscle tension, dislocations, sciatica, joint stiffness, etc.
- It stimulates the blood and lymphatic circulation eliminating toxins and improving the nutrition and oxygenation of the tissues.
- Accelerates the recovery of sports injuries.
- Attenuates insomnia.
- Relax, calm the nerves and produce a sense of well-being.
Contraindications
Swedish massage has its contraindications or reasons to
refrain from receiving it, as in the case of recent wounds or scars, bruises
and varicose veins in the areas to be massaged.
In case of arthritis also in the points of treatment, of
thrombophlebitis and of osteoporosis. You also have to avoid it in case of
fever and low or high blood pressure.
If you’re having any heart disease or suffering from
infectious processes, make sure you don’t get Swedish massage in the areas to
be treated.
How Is A Swedish Massage Session?
The Swedish massage can last from 30 to 90 minutes and is
performed on a stretcher and in direct contact with the patient's skin. A
massage oil is applied so that the sliding is friction-free, heating it
beforehand in the hand so that the contact is pleasant.
Then the mentioned passes are combined in the areas that the
masseuse and the client consider appropriate. The Swedish massage sensation
should be basically pleasant although at some point it may be slightly annoying
when working in painful areas, the sensation should not pass into pain.
And Finally…
The Swedish massage session is over, leaving the state of
relaxation with the help of the percussion passes. The patient should be lifted
slowly from the stretcher to avoid getting dizzy with the abrupt change in
blood pressure and going from the state of muscular relaxation to activation.
No comments:
Post a Comment