During a Swedish massage, a licensed massage therapist applies oil to the skin and uses various strokes to warm and relax the muscles, reduce tension, and eliminate 'knots' known as adhesions.
A combination of techniques, including bending, kneading, tapping, gliding, stretching, and cross-fiber friction, are applied by hand and used to accomplish this goal.
Full body Swedish massage is available at Essence Medspa as 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions.
Benefits
Besides the benefits listed above, Swedish manual therapy has been found to induce a number of other health benefits.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) recently released a study accomplished with volunteers who each received a Swedish massage lasting 45 minutes. (Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
"Study Examines the Effects of Swedish Massage Therapy on Hormones, Immune Function." The data showed significant drops in cortisol hormones responsible for creating stress and an elevation of white blood cells (lymphocytes) used to strengthen the immune system and resist flu and cold viruses.
Bodywork accomplished through Swedish techniques also increases circulation and blood oxygen levels and reduces the number of toxins in the muscles.
These benefits work to improve overall flexibility and reduce tension.
Swedish massage therapy continues to increase in popularity in the United States for its health benefits as well as its ability to soothe and relax the body.
