I’ve decided to do a series of blog posts dedicated to each specific treatment I offer, in the hopes of enlightening people that are interested or want to learn a bit more about these types of therapies and massages.
I find that some people aren’t really sure what they want or what they might need when booking a treatment, and there are a lot of different therapies out there, so it’s understandable that it can be a bit confusing!
If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to talk it through with the therapist beforehand and they will recommend you the best treatment for your needs.
To start with, let’s take a look at Swedish massage.
Swedish massage is the most common massage used in the West.
I think in more recent years, Swedish massage is put under the same ‘umbrella’ term as holistic massage, however in my point of view, they are quite different (more on holistic massage in another post!).
Swedish massage is literally just a name for the most classic and basic type of massage. It is defined by these five main movements; effleurage, petrissage, kneading, frictions and percussions. The treatment focuses a lot on long sweeping strokes and the gathering of skin to warm up the body and muscles, release any tension, improve circulation and also helps to release toxins.
The treatment incorporates the whole body, so is at least an hour in length.
Depending on your preference, the massage can be slow and gentle, or more fast paced with more pressure added if wanted. However, if you know you prefer deeper pressure, you should look into a deep tissue treatment instead, because this is not it!
This style of massage is a soothing treatment which focuses on relaxation and stress relief.
I would suggest this treatment for people who are wanting to feel totally relaxed from head to toe, and for people that need to take some time out for themselves.
Although any massage, including Swedish, is good for muscle tension relief; it is better to have a holistic style massage to pinpoint specific problem areas, as that will focus on the main areas rather than an overall body massage.
This type of massage allows you to fully relax, as the long strokes, repetition and soothing sensations encourage you to become more mindful and meditative.
Self-care in general and taking time out for yourself is so so important. The old saying of “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is totally true, and self care is not selfish in the slightest- it’s essential! We cannot be the best versions of ourselves and be able to give our most to others, if we don’t look after number 1!
We live in a time where we are all constantly on the go, rushing to the next place, and generally living such fast-paced lifestyles, that sometimes our health and peace of mind takes a back seat, which can lead to other illnesses and disease within the body if left unacknowledged, for a long period of time.
Massage can help to make us feel more grounded in our busy lives, and give us that time to really just ‘be’, even for an hour.
Massage is also excellent for people that have jobs that require them to sit or stand for long periods of time. Particular posture or repetitive movements can lead to all sorts of muscular problems, and massage can help to improve these and keep any problems at bay.
Massage can help with depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, limited movement and flexibility, pain management and stress.
There are a ton of amazing benefits, and I highly recommend trying to have one a month, if not one every two; both for a healthy body, and just as important, a healthy mind.
