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Rejuvenation Through Swedish Massage

By Julie Davidson

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 18May2011
Word count: 642
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One of the most popular spa therapy services are massages. Because of the stress and tension one can experience everyday, many people opt to get massages to soothe the aches and tightness of the muscles. The most common form of massage that is practiced is the Swedish massage, a technique developed in the 1800s to relieve muscle pain and to improve circulation. Many modern massage therapies are founded on the Swedish massage, which is why most masseurs and masseuses are required to learn this therapy first before others.

All the major cities cities have several schools that offer courses on this form of physical therapy.

Swedish Massage Movements

There are five movements involved in a Swedish massage. These are stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping and vibration.

1. Effleurage

The long, gliding strokes at the beginning of a Swedish massage is called Effleurage. This movement is used to open the session to help familiarize the therapist with the client's body. Through this, the location of the kinks in the muscle can be determined, and the therapist would know where to apply the most pressure. The impact of the strokes can be adjusted depending on the preference of the recipient.

2. Petrissage

Kneading is also known as Petrissage. Through this movement, the toxins from the muscles are released. When kneading, the therapist bunches the muscles up and stretches it flat continually until the entire massage area has been treated.

3. Rubbing/Friction

Rubbing the muscles is done to create friction. This movement can be accomplished by tracing circles on the client's body using the fingers, palms and elbows. Rubbing is especially effective for the bony parts of the body. The therapist grinds deep into these areas to separate muscles that are held tight by tension.

4. Tapotement

Tapotement is the term used for the tapping motion included in a Swedish massage. This is another technique that frees the muscles from tension. By making chopping motions with the side of the hands on the client's body, the muscles are able to relax. This rejuvenates the client's state of mind and body, too.

5. Vibration

The latest addition to the Swedish massage is the use of vibration. This is accomplished by shaking the appendages. Like the rest of the movements, it decreases muscle tension and allows better circulation in the body.

Swedish Massage vs. Other Types of Massage

Another popular type of massage is the Deep Tissue massage. This is often confused with the Swedish massage. Granted that the basic movements are almost identical for the two types of therapy, Deep Tissue massage tends to relieve the base muscle structures, as well as the connective tissue between them. While the Swedish massage aims to relieve general tension and improve circulation, the Deep Tissue massage concentrates on particular areas where pain is recurrent.

The Thai massage is more brisk and dynamic than the Swedish massage. In this therapy, the client would be propped into different yoga-like positions to effectively get rid of muscle tension. Apart from the therapist's hands, knees and legs, feet are also utilized in Thai massage.

Hot Stone and Aromatherapy massages are similar to the Swedish massage, except for the use of additional items such as stones and aromatic oils.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Aside from the obvious relaxation benefits of a Swedish massage, there are health advantages to receiving this kind of therapy as well. It has been repeatedly emphasized that Swedish massage aids circulation. Because of this, the lymphatic system of the body is strengthened. The lymphatic system helps the body fight off infections and diseases. Joint disorders can also be relieved through this massage method. In addition, muscle elasticity and flexibility are increased through a Swedish massage.

StartLocal is an online business directory that has many massage therapists listed, such as massage therapists Sydney as well as Australia wide. If you have sore msucles , then use StartLocal to find a local massuese today.

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